If you are looking for a simple and tasty way to spice up your black beans, try baking them in a homemade Mole Sauce! This rich and savory sauce has a hint of chocolate and a smoky flavor that will make your beans irresistible. You can serve them as a side dish for your Mexican-themed dinner, or use them as a base for nutritious bowls with rice, slaw, and avocado. This recipe is easy to make and vegan-friendly. Watch the video below to see how it’s done!
Ingredients for Mole Black Beans
- Cooked black beans (3 cans of 14 ounces each)
- Queso fresco cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Ingredients for Quick Mole Sauce
- Vegetable broth, chicken stock, or water (plus more for thinning)
- Tomato sauce (or substitute pureed tomatoes, or diced tomatoes with their juices)
- Olive oil
- Garlic and onion
- Soy sauce (or substitute gluten-free liquid aminos)
- Chipotle chili and adobo sauce
- Salt, pepper, and spices: chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, cinnamon
- Tahini paste (or substitute peanut butter or almond butter)
- Dark chocolate squares
- Agave or maple syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of the chocolate)
Steps to make Mole Black Beans
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an ovenproof skillet or baking dish.
- Make the Quick Mole Sauce by blending all the sauce ingredients in a blender until smooth. You will need about 1 1/4 cups of sauce for this recipe.
- Drain, rinse, and strain the cooked black beans and place them in the prepared skillet or baking dish.
- Stir in the warm mole sauce and season with salt to taste. Add 1/2 cup of water or broth to loosen the beans. They should spread easily in the pan when you shake it. If they are too thick, add more water.
- Sprinkle some queso fresco cheese on top if you like, and cover the pan tightly with foil.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, the edges are bubbling, and the beans are hot throughout.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!
Serving suggestions for Mole Black Beans
You can serve these beans as a side dish with your favorite Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, tacos, or tamales. Or you can turn them into a satisfying meal by making healthy bowls with:
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Mexican Slaw
- Avocado or Guacamole
- Fermented Hot Sauce, Pico de Gallo, or Chipotle Mayo
More bean recipes you might like:
- Mexican Pinto Beans
- How to make Refried Beans!
- Southwest Black Bean Quinoa Salad
- Italian Baked Beans and Greens
- Amazing Black Bean Burgers (in under 30 mins!)
