Spicy Black Bean Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup dried black beans (approximately 200 grams)
• 1 large red onion, diced (approximately 150 grams)
• 2 cucumbers, peeled and diced (approximately 200 grams)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (approximately 100 grams)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (approximately 10 grams)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (approximately 60 ml)
• 1-2 tablespoons chili powder or flakes, according to preference
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation Time:

• Soaking time for beans: 8-12 hours or overnight
• Preparation time: 30-45 minutes

Cooking Time:

• Cooking beans: 1-2 hours (depends on the method)
• Total preparation: 2-3 hours (including soaking time)

Difficulty Level:

[Level 3] - Moderate. Requires soaking and cooking beans, but the rest of the preparation is straightforward.

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak the black beans in water for 8-12 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the beans and cook until tender. You can use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beans with diced red onion, cucumber, and red bell pepper.
4. Add chopped cilaantro, lime juice, chili powder or flakes, salt, and olive oil. Mix well.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or as a salad starter.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approx. 300-350 per serving (based on the ingredients listed)
• Protein: 15-20 grams per serving
• Fat: 9-12 grams per serving (mostly from olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams per serving (from beans and vegetables)

Dish Characteristics:

• Spicy and refreshing, with a combination of beans and vegetables.
• Great as a starter or side dish for any meal, especially with grilled meats or poultry.
• A fusion of flavors, combining the best of American and global flavors.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was a hit at my party! The combination of flavors was amazing." - John Doe, San Francisco.
2. "The Spicy Black Bean Salad brought a unique touch to my dinner table. The chili powder gave it a great kick." - Jane Smith, New York.
3. "I love how easy this recipe is to make. It's a great dish to make ahead of time for a gathering." - Michael Johnson, Los Angeles.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Soaking the beans is crucial for reducing cooking time and ensuring proper digestion of the beans.
• Adjust the chili powder or flakes according to your preference for spiciness.
• For a smoother texture, you can puree some of the beans before mixing with the other ingredients.