Seasoned Black Bean Side
Simple and savory black beans simmered with garlic and cumin. A perfectly quick, fiber-rich partner for your salsa chicken.
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 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
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
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
10 min
Total
15 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Saucepan
Time saver
Easy Storage: Leftover black beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if they have thickened too much.
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 5 steps complete
Next: Heat the olive oil in a small…
- 01
Heat the olive oil in a small…
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 1 minute until it shimmers.
Look for: it shimmers
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add the garlic clove to the saucepan
Add the garlic clove to the saucepan. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it is fragrant but not browned.
Look for: it is fragrant but not browned
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add the black beans (with their canning…
Add the black beans (with their canning liquid) and ground cumin to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer
Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly.
Look for: the liquid reduces and thickens slightly
Tap card to mark done - 05
Remove the pan from the heat
Remove the pan from the heat. Serve warm alongside your salsa chicken.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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