Black Beans Curry (Indian Recipe)

A rich creamy black beans curry is a great way to add this popular health food to your diet. Whether you use precooked or canned beans these get done in less than 15 minutes. Cooked in a rich curry sauce made with Indian curry powder, tomatoes, and yogurt this will become your favorite in no time.

Black beans are becoming increasingly popular in our home these days. They are easy to incorporate into your diet once they have already been boiled. I love to soak and boil a big batch and store it in the freezer. That way I have them on hand for anything I need to use them. For example, add a handful to my salad or pulao rice.

Did you know that black beans are high in protein and fiber which makes them not just healthy but perfect for a balanced diet?

Table of Content

• Why make this recipe?
• Ingredients and substitutes
• Step by step instructions
• 4 Methods - to cook dried black beans?
• What do you serve with beans curry?
• More similar recipes
• Frequently asked questions
• You may also like
• Printable Recipe
• Join the conversation

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Why make this recipe?

• Most of the ingredients are simple pantry staples apart from the spices which are easily available in most supermarkets.
• The recipe is fairly simple and easy. The cooking itself takes 15 minutes because we use pre-cooked or canned beans
• I am using black beans but, of course, you can use other beans, pulses, or legumes instead too.
• Today I have served it over my flavorful turmeric rice but it is absolutely delicious with fresh roti, chapati or even plain steamed rice.

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Ingredients and substitutes

• Curry powder - Curry powder is readily available in most supermarkets these days. I make my own so you can find my homemade curry powder as well as garam masala. So, if you like making your spice mixes, you will love to try these.
• Paprika - The purpose of paprika here is to add a nice smoky flavor but also add to the pretty color.
• Cayenne - adds a nice touch of heat but if you don't like Cayenne use hot smoked paprika.
• Sour Cream or yogurt - either work beautifully in this recipe and gives a rich thick and creamy black beans curry
• Black Beans - these come in dry as well as canned - you can use either. I used the pre-soaked dried today but often I make a quick curry with the canned beans too.

Step by step instructions

• In a saute pan, over medium heat, add oil and saute the onions, cinnamon, and bay leaves until onions are translucent.
• Add the ginger and garlic and saute for another minute. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and saute a minute more.
  Pro tip - it is important to always saute the veggies and spices well at each stage to get the maximum flavor.
• Next, add curry powder, paprika, and cayenne - with ¼ cup water. Cook until the spices are fragrant.
  Pro tip - cook on low heat adding a few more tablespoons of water as necessary making sure you get a nice aroma from the spices.
• Add the black beans, sour cream or yogurt, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper
• Cover and cook for 10 minutes more until thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

4 Methods - to cook dried black beans?

There are a couple of ways to cook black beans.

• Stovetop - Dried black beans need to be soaked in water for a couple of hours (at least 4) or overnight. Then boil them in water for about 60 to 90 minutes on medium to low until they are soft and tender
• Pressure cooker - Soak for a couple of hours or overnight. Drain and place them in the pressure cooker. Add four times the amount of water. Cook under pressure for 20 minutes
• Instant pot - Soak for a couple of hours or overnight. Drain and place them in the pressure cooker. Add four times the amount of water. Cook under pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release.
• Slow cooker - place the black beans in the slow cooker without soaking. Add 4 times the amount of water. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.

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What do you serve with beans curry?

I love to serve this with a nice bowl of steamed white rice or my turmeric rice. Of course, simple chapati to exotic butter naan or plain naan as well as vegetable, or prawn rice. My kids' favorite rice is fruit and nut rice pilaf
Of course, when I'm in the mood for a low-carb diet then I usually serve this over my cauliflower rice, turmeric rice, or mustard dill cauliflower rice. 

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More similar recipes

• Chickpeas Curry - Channa Masala
• Quick and Easy Black Beans Coconut Curry
• Kidney Bean Coconut Curry
• Spinach Tofu Curry
• Mushroom Masala
• See all Indian recipes

Frequently asked questions

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