Grilled Black Beans with Rocket
Prep
15 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in just 40 minutes and tastes absolutely delicious. I love grilling black beans because they get this amazing smoky char while staying creamy inside, and when you pile them onto fresh peppery rocket with bright lime juice and crumbly cotija cheese, it's simply irresistible. Black beans are packed with fiber and plant based protein, so you're getting real nutrition without breaking the bank. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and flexibility, too, so feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 2 cansblack beans(drained and rinsed)
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- 4garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
- ½ teaspooncumin
- 1lime(juiced)
- 710 mlfresh rocket(loosely packed)
- ¼ unitred onion(thinly sliced)
- 237 mlcherry tomatoes(halved)
- 118 mlcotija cheese(crumbled)
- ½ teaspoonsea salt
- ¼ teaspoonblack pepper
- 2 tablespoonsfresh cilantro(chopped)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for 5 minutes until hot.
Tip: If using a grill pan indoors, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated as black beans may smoke slightly.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine drained black beans with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Tip: Don't over-mix the beans as they may break apart; use a gentle folding motion instead.
- 3
Spread the black bean mixture onto a grill-safe skillet or cast-iron pan. Place on the hot grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans develop charred edges and a smoky flavor.
Tip: Listen for a light crackling sound; this indicates proper caramelization on the bean surface.
- 4
While the beans are grilling, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple vinaigrette.
Tip: Make the dressing just before serving to keep the rocket fresh and crisp.
- 5
Once the beans are charred and heated through, remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro.
Tip: The residual heat will release the cilantro's aromatic oils without diminishing its fresh flavor.
- 6
Divide the grilled black beans among four serving plates. Top each portion with a generous handful of fresh rocket.
Tip: The warm beans will slightly wilt the rocket while maintaining some of its peppery crunch.
- 7
Scatter the sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled cotija cheese over the rocket and beans.
Tip: Arrange the toppings in a visually appealing way for an attractive presentation.
- 8
Drizzle the lime vinaigrette over each plate and serve immediately while the beans are still warm.
Tip: Serve with warm flour tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious bean juices.
Recipe Variations
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