This is how to cook black turtle beans soaked on the stove, no soak Instant Pot style or in your slow cooker to tender. Serve as a healthy side dish with dinner or make Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice with them!
Black turtle beans in chili, soup and in tacos is delicious. We will show you how to boil black beans like these to tender so you too can enjoy them in a number of different ways. From lightly seasoned to spicy chipotle style they are a cheap unique legume you’ll love.
What are black turtle beans?
Also known simply as black beans, they are also a type of dark colored legume. They are small, oval-shaped beans with a shiny black skin and a creamy white interior. Known for their rich flavor and creamy texture when cooked, they are a popular add in in a variety of dishes here and in Latin America.
Often used inside of soups, stews, rice dishes, salads, and bean dips, this black bean can also be mashed and used as a filling for tacos and burritos. If simply served as a side dish it is great with a squeeze of lime and feta on top. Paired with meats and vegetables is great, or added into our 5 ingredient chili.
Do you need to soak black turtle beans?
Yes you really should. Just place in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak black beans overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you can use a quick-soak method by bringing the dried beans to a boil in a pot of water, removing them from the heat, and letting them soak for 1-2 hours.
How long should you soak black turtle beans before cooking?
Let them soak overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. Alternatively, you can use a quick-soak method by bringing the beans to a boil in a pot of water, removing them from the heat, and letting them soak for 1-2 hours. Then cook black beans with seasonings to add flavor.
We have a whole post about How Long Do Beans Take to Cook, this yet another resource so you can understand how to cook them from hard in a bag to perfect in just a few hours. Below we have the basics step by step whether you want to just boil in broth or water or add a spicy kick into the sauce. Popular in vegetarian dishes because of their meaty texture you’ve gotta’ try them.
Instant Pot Method
If you want the fastest way of them all you can try our Pressure Cooker Black Beans No Soak method. That is the only way I would recommend cooking right out of the bag with just a bit of rinsing required. Under high pressure you can skip soaking if you don’t have time for that.
Slow Cooker Method
Slow Cooker Black Beans and Ham is our favorite way to cook these. Low and slow makes them as fork tender as possible for sure.
For any types of beans dry you have to follow the same basic steps above from start to finish. From there you can saute garlic and onions in olive oil with these drained. Add red pepper flakes for heat, salt is a must and below we show you how to add adobo sauce and peppers. We use 1/2 cup but could easily be doubled.
Black Turtle Beans Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 skillet with a lid, large or use Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb turtle beans, dry black beans
- water
Chipotle Turtle Black Beans
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 chipotle pepper, + 1 tbsp of the sauce in that can
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano, dried or diced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 c vegetable broth, or water
Instructions
- How to cook dry black turtle beans – Rinse and sort beans. Place into a large bowl and cover with water + at least 2-3" over the top. Let soak overnight.
- When ready to cook, drain beans and rinse well. Pour into a pot or Dutch Oven with 3 cups vegetable broth or water. Bring beans to a boil over medium high heat. Once boiling, stir and reduce heat to medium low, continue to cook for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until they are tender to your liking.
- Chipotle black turtle beans – Rinse and sort beans. Place into a large bowl and cover with water + at least 2-3" over the top. Let soak overnight. Set aside. When ready to cook, drain beans and rinse well.
- In a large stock pot, add oil and onions. Heat over medium high heat, stirring frequently until onions are soft and tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add beans, one chipotle chili and 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and bay leaf. and mix well. Stir in water.
- Bring beans to a boil over medium high heat. Once boiling, stir and reduce heat to medium low, continuing to cook for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until beans are tender. Remove from heat and remove chili and bay leaf. Can squeeze a slice of lemon or lime juice on top with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I mean there are lots of things you can make with these once they are done. You can buy tostada shells at the store and load these on with refried, cheese, tomatoes and some lettuce. Leave whole if you like or it is easy to mash and make a Refried Black Beans Recipe with more flavor and smoother.
A cheap meal that everyone loves as they make their own. Instant Pot Black Bean Soup is another idea for same day or with your leftovers.
Are black turtle beans the same as black beans?
Yes, basically. While black beans or frijoles negros are more general terms used to refer to beans with a black skin and creamy white interior, they are referring to the same thing. if a recipe calls for one or the other, you can use either interchangeably without any significant difference in taste or texture. Typically turtle is only sold dry though.
Are black beans gluten free?
Yes, they are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed by individuals who follow a gluten-free diet. Commonly used in various dishes for those with celiac including soups, stews, salads, side dishes, and bean dips. However, it’s essential to be cautious when purchasing them canned or in a prepared dish as they may contain added ingredients that could potentially contain gluten.
FAQ
The main difference is the processing. Canned black beans are precooked and typically seasoned or preserved in water and salt. They are ready to eat straight out of the can or added to recipes without cooking. Dried black turtle beans require soaking and cooking before they are ready to eat.
Typically yes, dogs can eat black beans in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Always consult with your vet before giving new foods to your pet though to avoid allergies and should only be fed in moderation.
