Have You Tried Black Soybeans?

Looking to reduce carbs in your diet and love beans? You might want to try Black Soybeans!

Black soybeans are merely a black variety of the soybean. They are grown to be eaten similar to other legumes, either dried or canned.

Many food stores carry canned organic black soybeans. The most common brand made by Eden Foods is organic, non-GMO, and come in BPA-free cans. Dry black soybeans are harder to find, but some stores carry them and there are multiple online sources. I order a large bag (2.5 lbs) from Amazon. Here is the link

Nutritionally, black soybeans are free of fat and a good source of protein. They are low in net carbohydrates (the number of carbohydrates per serving minus the grams of fiber) and high in protein, fiber, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and riboflavin.

Half a cup of cooked black soybeans has 1 gram net carb plus 7 grams of fiber (8 grams of total carbohydrate), 11 grams of protein, and 120 calories. The black variety is higher in phytonutrients, including antioxidants. They are a great substitute for higher-carb beans, such as black, navy, and pinto beans and taste like regular black beans.

Because of their delicate skin and silken texture, black soybeans need to be cooked a bit differently than regular beans. It is best to soak them overnight in salted water and cook the dried beans in salted water. You can use the same water measurements called for in your recipes using regular beans, but the method I have included here brings the best results.

Cooking Black Soybeans

Ingredients:

2 cups dried black soybeans
2 teaspoons salt, divided
Water
1 small onion, halved
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

Soak the beans overnight in 8 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt added. The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large saucepan.

Add 6 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, the oil, garlic, and onion. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pan and cook the beans until tender about 2-2 1/2 hours.

The cooked beans can be used for chili, baked beans or refried beans. All delicious made with these beans. The beans also freeze well.

We especially like this side dish:

Southwest Seasoned Black Soybeans

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked bean black soybeans
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 small serrano chili pepper, chopped
1 baby red bell pepper or half of a regular red bell pepper
1 large clove of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions:

In a medium skillet, heat the oil and add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and chili pepper. Saute over low heat until tender but not brown.

Add the garlic, oregano, and cumin. Stir for about 30 seconds. Add the cooked soybeans and stir gently until hot. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

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