Black bean

Haricot noir

What it is

The backbone of Brazilian feijoada and Cuban moros y cristianos, and it colours its cooking liquid deep purple-black — that liquid is not waste but the sauce, and throwing it away is the commonest mistake made with this bean.

In the kitchen

Keep the cooking liquid and reduce it. It is where the flavour and the body of the dish live.

Goes with

Cumin Lime Cilantro / Coriander Chili pepper Garlic Onion Avocado Orange

Same species

Ayocote bean Borlotti bean Cannellini bean Coco de Paimpol Faba asturiana Flageolet

Also used with

Bitter melon Chipotle meco Papalo Pasilla de Oaxaca Avocado leaf Mexican oregano

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