Aaron's Amazing Simple Beans

Name: Aaron's Amazing Simple Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 610 min
Ingredients: 1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed; 2 quarts water; 1 Moroccan-style preserved lemon, or to taste; 1 tablespoon white sugar; 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 small red chile pepper, halved lengthwise; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon anise seed

3.5

(4)

4 Reviews

2 Photos

This recipe is incredibly simple to make, and it's fat-free, yet these are the most delicious beans I've had. The secret ingredient is the salt-preserved lemon, a flavor like no other. Serve hot in small bowls as a side dish or snack. Good with eggs, tortillas, or other Mexican food. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator.

Submitted by ACONTORER

Updated on August 22, 2022

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

2 hrs

Additional Time:

8 hrs

Total Time:

10 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

6

Yield:

6 servings

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Ingredients

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Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

1 pound dried red kidney beans, rinsed
2 quarts water
1 Moroccan-style preserved lemon, or to taste
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 small red chile pepper, halved lengthwise
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon anise seed

Directions

Place kidney beans into a large container and cover with about 1 quart water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Drain.
Combine beans, 1 quart water, preserved lemon, sugar, black pepper, red chile pepper, bay leaf, garlic powder, and anise seed in a stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover stockpot, and simmer for 1 hour.
Remove lemon, bay leaf, and red chile pepper from bean mixture. Mash about 10% of the beans against the sides of the stockpot using the back of a spoon. Cover stockpot and simmer for 45 minutes more.
Remove cover from stockpot and simmer beans until beans are thickened and water is evaporated, about 15 minutes more.

Cook's Notes:

Use dry beans, not canned. Amazingly cheap, they have a much better texture and more flavor.

The preserved lemon piece is notably better than fresh lemon. Keep them on hand: they are very very simple to make, and a wonderful seasoning for many dishes. If you must, substitute fresh whole lemon plus 1 teaspoon salt.

Editor's Note:

The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the sodium from the preserved lemon. The actual amount consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

278	Calories
1g	Fat
53g	Carbs
17g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 278
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1g	1%
Saturated Fat 0g	1%
Sodium 2072mg	90%
Total Carbohydrate 53g	19%
Dietary Fiber 13g	45%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 17g	35%
Vitamin C 15mg	16%
Calcium 81mg	6%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 1079mg	23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.