Warm Corn and Black Beans Recipe

"This is an easy, delicious, and inexpensive side dish. It takes literally 15 minutes to make; and, it's ready to serve. A perfect side dish. It's a play off of the corn and black bean salad; but, served warmed. If you have any leftover ... add a bit of salsa, cheese, and wrap in a tortilla - makes an awesome lunch!"

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Onions, Garlic, and Jalapeno ... Add the olive oil to a saute pan; and, bring to medium heat. Next, add the onion, garlic, jalapeno, and a pinch of salt and pepper; saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.

Step 2

Beans and Corn ... Add the beans, corn, pimentos, 1/4 cup chicken broth; and, mix to combine. Simmer on medium low heat for 10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. As it cooks, add more liquid if necessary. Depending on the pan that you use use; you may need to add more liquid, so the beans and corn do not get dry. Also, check for seasoning - add more salt or pepper if necessary.

Step 3

Finish and Serve ... Add the lime juice and cilantro right before serving. ENJOY!

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

When selecting a jalapeno pepper, pick one that is firm and has a bright green color.
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute black beans for pinto beans: This substitution will provide a milder flavor and a creamier texture that pairs well with the corn.
Substitute olive oil for vegetable oil: This substitution will provide a more flavorful and healthier alternative to vegetable oil.

Variations

Taco-Style Warm Corn and Black Beans Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sautéed onion, garlic, and jalapeno. After simmering the beans and corn, top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and diced avocado. Serve with warm tortillas.

Southwestern-Style Warm Corn and Black Beans Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of oregano to the sautéed onion, garlic, and jalapeno. After simmering the beans and corn, top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with warm tortillas.

Serve with

Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa: This juicy and flavorful chicken dish pairs perfectly with the warm and savory flavors of the corn and black beans. The sweetness of the mango salsa and the crunch of the red onion balance out the richness of the beans and corn, making this a delicious and complete meal.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: This easy and delicious side dish is the perfect complement to the Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the chicken, and the roasted texture adds a pleasant crunch to the meal. The sweet potatoes provide a healthy source of complex carbohydrates that will help to round out the meal and make it a complete and satisfying dinner.

FAQ

Q: Can I use canned corn for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use canned corn for this recipe. Drain and rinse it before adding it to the pan. You may need to add a bit more liquid to ensure that the beans and corn do not get dry.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead?

A: Yes, you can use frozen vegetables instead. Make sure the vegetables are thawed before adding them to the pan. You may need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more liquid to ensure the beans and vegetables do not get dry.

Fun facts:

FACT 1: The combination of corn and black beans is popular in Latin American cuisine and is often used in dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. It is also used to make a popular Mexican dish called "frijoles con elote" or "beans with corn".

FACT 2: The combination of corn and black beans is also popular in the cuisine of the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico. The dish is often served as a side dish or as an accompaniment to grilled meats. It is also a popular dish served in the home of famous Puerto Rican singer and actor, Ricky Martin.