Easy Make-Ahead Black Beans

Directions:

Black beans are one of the quicker cooking beans, and do not need to be soaked first. By not soaking and draining, the cooked beans retain the natural starch and deep flavor that make for a rich tasting and creamy result.

1. Rinse and sort beans.
2. Bring six cups of water to a boil in a large, heavy pot.
3. Add rinsed beans and salt.
4. Cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook beans for 1 1/2-2 hours, checking liquid level occasionally.

You will end up with deeply flavorful beans that freeze beautifully and can be used in all sorts of recipes. By not seasoning the beans, other than the salt to bring out their natural flavor, they adapt easily to added seasonings in other preparations. The beans can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.