Smoky Chipotle Black Beans

1. Prepare the Beans

Start by combining the black beans, bay leaf, and cold water in a large saucepan. Add the peeled and halved onion to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the beans cook for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and helps the beans become tender while half of the water evaporates. You’ll know it’s ready when the beans are tender and the liquid has reduced. Remove the bay leaf and onion halves, then season the beans with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

2. Make the Chipotle Adobo Sauce

While the beans are simmering, heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should soften and begin to release their natural sweetness. This step is crucial because the softened onions will add a deep, rich flavor to your sauce.

3. Add Chipotle and Adobo Sauce

Once the onions are perfectly softened, stir in the minced chipotle peppers and the adobo sauce. Cook everything together for just about 30 seconds. This short cooking time is enough to meld the smoky heat of the chipotles with the sweetness of the onions without overpowering the dish.

4. Process the Sauce

Allow the chipotle mixture to cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a food processor or use an immersion blender to pulse it until the sauce is smooth. This step ensures that all the flavors are evenly distributed and the sauce has a perfect consistency.

5. Serve

To serve, drizzle the smoky chipotle adobo sauce over your simmered black beans. The rich, spicy sauce will complement the tender beans beautifully, creating a dish that's both comforting and full of flavor. Enjoy your smoky chipotle black beans as a side dish, or even as the main attraction in your meal!