Allspice adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
beans, black
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
Earthy, slightly sweet legumes with a dense, creamy texture and a distinctive purple-black skin that stains everything it touches. The foundation of countless…
85 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Black beans have a mild earthiness and a subtle mineral quality that makes them extraordinarily receptive to bold spicing — cumin, chile, garlic, and oregano are their most common partners in Mexican and Caribbean cooking. Their dense, smooth texture holds up well in soups and stews, and they can be mashed or pureed into silky refried beans without losing structural integrity. The dark pigmentation comes from anthocyanins that bleed into cooking liquid, creating the dramatic black broth of Cuban black bean soup. Epazote, a pungent Mexican herb, is traditionally added to black beans not only for flavor but to reduce their gas-producing properties. In fermented form as Chinese black bean sauce (douchi), a closely related variety transforms into a pungent, intensely savory condiment that bears little resemblance to the fresh or dried bean.
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Pairs well with
allspice
apples
avocado
bacon
bay leaf
beer
bell peppers, green
bell peppers, red
butter
carrots
cayenne
celery
celery root
cheese, cheddar
cheese, dry feta
cheese, farmer's
cheese, parmesan
cheese, queso fresco
cheese, smoked
chile peppers, ancho
chile peppers, cachuca
chile peppers, chipotle
chile peppers, jalapeño
chili powder, ancho
chives
cilantro
cream
crème fraîche
cumin
duck
egg
epazote
fennel seeds
garlic
ginger
ham and ham hocks
lemon
lime, juice
maple syrup
oil, canola
oil, olive
oil, peanut
oil, safflower
oil, vegetable
olive oil
onions, red
onions, white
onions, yellow
orange, fruit
orange, juice
orange, zest
oregano, dried
parsley, flat-leaf
pepper, black
pepper, white
red pepper flakes
rice
rosemary
salsa
salt
salt pork
sausage
savory
scallions
shallots
sherry
shrimp
soups
sour cream
spinach
stocks, beef
stocks, chicken
stocks, vegetable
sugar, brown
sugar, white
tabasco sauce
thyme
tomatoes and tomato paste
vinegar, cider
vinegar, red wine
vinegar, sherry
vinegar, white wine
wine, madeira
wine, sherry
yogurt
allspice
Allspice adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
apples
Apples brings fruit sweetness and acidity that lift creamy bean earthiness and keep the pairing lively.
avocado
Avocado complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
bacon
Bacon reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
bay leaf
Bay leaf adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
beer
Beer adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen creamy bean earthiness without making it feel flat.
bell peppers, green
Bell peppers, green adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
bell peppers, red
Bell peppers, red adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
butter
Butter adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
carrots
Carrots adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
cayenne
Cayenne adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
celery
Celery adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
celery root
Celery root adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
cheese, cheddar
Cheese, cheddar contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, dry feta
Cheese, dry feta contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, farmer's
Cheese, farmer's contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, parmesan
Cheese, parmesan contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, queso fresco
Cheese, queso fresco contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, smoked
Cheese, smoked contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
chile peppers, ancho
Chile peppers, ancho adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chile peppers, cachuca
Chile peppers, cachuca adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chile peppers, chipotle
Chile peppers, chipotle adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chile peppers, jalapeño
Chile peppers, jalapeño adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chili powder, ancho
Chili powder, ancho complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
chives
Chives gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
cilantro
Cilantro gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
cream
Cream adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
crème fraîche
Crème fraîche adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
cumin
Cumin adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
duck
Duck reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
egg
Egg complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
epazote
Epazote gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
fennel seeds
Fennel seeds adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
garlic
Garlic adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
ginger
Ginger adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
ham and ham hocks
Ham and ham hocks reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
lemon
Lemon brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
lime, juice
Lime, juice brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
maple syrup
Maple syrup draws out the sweeter side of creamy bean earthiness while adding roundness and dessert-friendly depth.
oil, canola
Oil, canola adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
oil, olive
Oil, olive adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
oil, peanut
Oil, peanut adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
oil, safflower
Oil, safflower adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
oil, vegetable
Oil, vegetable adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
olive oil
Olive oil adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
onions, red
Onions, red adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
onions, white
Onions, white adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
onions, yellow
Onions, yellow adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
orange, fruit
Orange, fruit brings fruit sweetness and acidity that lift creamy bean earthiness and keep the pairing lively.
orange, juice
Orange, juice brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
orange, zest
Orange, zest brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
oregano, dried
Oregano, dried gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, flat-leaf gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
pepper, black
Pepper, black adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
pepper, white
Pepper, white adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
red pepper flakes
Red pepper flakes adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
rice
Rice gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
rosemary
Rosemary gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
salsa
Salsa complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
salt
Salt complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
salt pork
Salt pork reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
sausage
Sausage gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
savory
Savory gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
scallions
Scallions adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
shallots
Shallots adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
sherry
Sherry adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen creamy bean earthiness without making it feel flat.
shrimp
Shrimp pairs with creamy bean earthiness by adding clean marine umami while keeping the overall flavor delicate.
soups
Soups gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
sour cream
Sour cream adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
spinach
Spinach adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
stocks, beef
Stocks, beef reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, chicken gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, vegetable gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
sugar, brown
Sugar, brown draws out the sweeter side of creamy bean earthiness while adding roundness and dessert-friendly depth.
sugar, white
Sugar, white draws out the sweeter side of creamy bean earthiness while adding roundness and dessert-friendly depth.
tabasco sauce
Tabasco sauce adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
thyme
Thyme gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
tomatoes and tomato paste
Tomatoes and tomato paste adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
vinegar, cider
Vinegar, cider brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
vinegar, red wine
Vinegar, red wine brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
vinegar, sherry
Vinegar, sherry brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
vinegar, white wine
Vinegar, white wine brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
wine, madeira
Wine, madeira adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen creamy bean earthiness without making it feel flat.
wine, sherry
Wine, sherry adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen creamy bean earthiness without making it feel flat.
yogurt
Yogurt adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Apples brings fruit sweetness and acidity that lift creamy bean earthiness and keep the pairing lively.
avocado
Avocado complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
Bacon reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
Bay leaf adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
Beer adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen creamy bean earthiness without making it feel flat.
bell peppers, green
Bell peppers, green adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
bell peppers, red
Bell peppers, red adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
butter
Butter adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Carrots adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
cayenne
Cayenne adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
Celery adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Celery root adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Cheese, cheddar contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, dry feta
Cheese, dry feta contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, farmer's
Cheese, farmer's contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
Cheese, parmesan contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, queso fresco
Cheese, queso fresco contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
cheese, smoked
Cheese, smoked contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame creamy bean earthiness without overwhelming it.
chile peppers, ancho
Chile peppers, ancho adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chile peppers, cachuca
Chile peppers, cachuca adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chile peppers, chipotle
Chile peppers, chipotle adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
Chile peppers, jalapeño adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
chili powder, ancho
Chili powder, ancho complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
Chives gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Cilantro gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
cream
Cream adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Crème fraîche adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Cumin adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
Duck reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
egg
Egg complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
Epazote gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Fennel seeds adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
Garlic adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Ginger adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
ham and ham hocks
Ham and ham hocks reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
lemon
Lemon brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
lime, juice
Lime, juice brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Maple syrup draws out the sweeter side of creamy bean earthiness while adding roundness and dessert-friendly depth.
Oil, canola adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
oil, olive
Oil, olive adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Oil, peanut adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
oil, safflower
Oil, safflower adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
oil, vegetable
Oil, vegetable adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Olive oil adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
onions, red
Onions, red adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
onions, white
Onions, white adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
onions, yellow
Onions, yellow adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
orange, fruit
Orange, fruit brings fruit sweetness and acidity that lift creamy bean earthiness and keep the pairing lively.
orange, juice
Orange, juice brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
orange, zest
Orange, zest brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
oregano, dried
Oregano, dried gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, flat-leaf gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Pepper, black adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
Pepper, white adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
red pepper flakes
Red pepper flakes adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
rice
Rice gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
Rosemary gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
salsa
Salsa complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
salt
Salt complements beans, black by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to creamy bean earthiness.
salt pork
Salt pork reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
sausage
Sausage gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Savory gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Scallions adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Shallots adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
sherry
Sherry adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen creamy bean earthiness without making it feel flat.
Shrimp pairs with creamy bean earthiness by adding clean marine umami while keeping the overall flavor delicate.
soups
Soups gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
Sour cream adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Spinach adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
stocks, beef
Stocks, beef reinforces the savory side of creamy bean earthiness, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
stocks, chicken
Stocks, chicken gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
stocks, vegetable
Stocks, vegetable gives creamy bean earthiness a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
sugar, brown
Sugar, brown draws out the sweeter side of creamy bean earthiness while adding roundness and dessert-friendly depth.
sugar, white
Sugar, white draws out the sweeter side of creamy bean earthiness while adding roundness and dessert-friendly depth.
tabasco sauce
Tabasco sauce adds warmth and aromatic contrast to creamy bean earthiness, giving the pairing more dimension.
Thyme gives creamy bean earthiness a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
tomatoes and tomato paste
Tomatoes and tomato paste adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives creamy bean earthiness more structure and balance.
Vinegar, cider brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Vinegar, red wine brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Vinegar, sherry brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Vinegar, white wine brings acidity that cuts through creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
wine, madeira
Wine, madeira adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen creamy bean earthiness without making it feel flat.
wine, sherry
Wine, sherry adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen creamy bean earthiness without making it feel flat.
Yogurt adds richness and carries the aromatic side of creamy bean earthiness, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.