Crock Pot Black Beans

On this post earlier in the week, Marcia asked about my recipe for black beans.  I admit I have always used canned black beans in the past.  But after making them in the crock pot this time, I don't plan to ever go back to the canned variety.  They were so easy and so good!

From a variety of different recipes, this is what I came up with:

1 lb. dry black beans
2 cups chicken stock (or chicken base and water, which is what I like to use)*
2 +/- cups water
1 bunch chopped cilantro
1/2 small red onion, diced
1 T minced garlic

Throw everything in the crock pot and cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8 hours, and you have an entire pot of beans for $2 or $3.  Can't beat that!

*I read a couple of recipes that mentioned the chicken stock to give the beans extra flavor.  I had a jar of base in the fridge, so I used 2 tablespoons of it with about 4-5 cups of water (enough to cover the beans well).  The beans turned out exactly as I wanted them to, so I will repeat the chicken stock or base in the future.

 

Though I could easily have eaten black beans and rice all week, I used a large portion of the pot to make Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas.

You guys, these quesadillas were SO good.  They are very filling; just one and a side of fruit is enough to satisfy me for lunch.  We have several in the freezer and I have already been going through the stash for easy lunches or weeknight meals.

Budget Bytes is probably my favorite food blog right now.  I want to make nearly every recipe on there!

What is your favorite food blog/recipe site?  Any recommendations?

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