Quick Seasoned Black Bean Side
A simple, savory side of black beans simmered with garlic and warm cumin. Perfect for pairing with salsa chicken to add fiber and protein to your plate.
Prep
5 min
Cook
8 min
Total
13 min
Makes
1 serving

Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Sarah + Lila
Sarah created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
8 min
Total
13 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Saucepan
Time saver
Measure everything before you start so this quick recipe moves without pauses.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat
- 01
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the olive oil
Add the olive oil, swirling the pan to coat the bottom.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Stir in the minced garlic clove and…
Stir in the minced garlic clove and ground cumin, cooking for about 30 seconds until you can smell the warm aroma.
Look for: you can smell the warm aroma
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add the black beans and their canning…
Add the black beans and their canning liquid to the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic and spice.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat to low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beans are thoroughly hot and some of the liquid has thickened.
Look for: the beans are thoroughly hot and some of the liquid has thickened
Tap card to mark done - 06
Remove from the heat
Remove from the heat, stir in the optional salt if desired, and transfer to a serving bowl.
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