Spicy Vegetarian Black Beans

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups (1 pound) dried black beans, rinsed and picked over
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped cilantro and sour cream for topping

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Difficulty Level: 2

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the black beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes, or until the beans are tender.
2. While the beans are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger.
3. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened. Add the bell peppers, garlic, and ginger and sauté for another 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and black beans to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Stir the cooked vegetables and sauce into the pot with the cooked black beans. Simmer for 5 minutes more, or until heated through.
7. Serve immediately, topped with cilantro and sour cream if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Spicy and flavorful
• Hearty and filling
• Healthy and nutritious
• Versatile and can be served as a main course, side dish, or dip

User Comments:

• "These black beans are amazing! They're full of flavor and the perfect amount of spice."
• "I love how easy they are to make. I always have the ingredients on hand and it's a quick and easy weeknight meal."
• "This dish is so versatile. I've served it as a main course, a side dish, and even as a dip for chips."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to rinse and pick over the black beans before cooking to remove any debris.
• If you don't have vegetable broth on hand, you can use water instead.
• To make the dish even spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.