What to Add to Plain Beans to Make Them Taste Amazing

Beans are an incredibly versatile and nutritious staple ingredient. They are packed with protein fiber and key nutrients like iron, potassium, magnesium and folate. However, plain beans straight from the can can be rather boring and bland on their own. The good news is that with a few simple additions, you can transform boring beans into an absolutely delicious dish!

In this article, I’ll share my top tips on what to add to plain beans to make them taste amazing. Whether you are looking to spice up canned beans or want to add flavor to homemade beans, these additions will take your beans from blah to ta-dah!

Aromatics – The Flavor Base

The first thing I recommend adding to beans is aromatics. Aromatics build a flavor base and add wonderful depth to your beans. Common aromatics include:

• Onions – Yellow, white or red onions all work beautifully. Diced or sliced, they add a sweetness.

• Garlic – A must for most savory dishes. Minced or grated garlic packs a flavor punch.

• Celery – Diced or chopped celery adds freshness.

• Carrots – Grated or diced carrots lend a subtle sweetness.

• Bell Peppers – Diced red, yellow or green peppers add a crisp freshness.

Sauteeing the aromatics briefly before adding your beans helps develop their flavors. But you can also just toss them in raw. Whichever method you choose, aromatics infuse beans with more complexity.

Herbs and Spices

Another way to quickly elevate the flavor of beans is by incorporating herbs and spices. Here are some excellent options:

• Cumin – This spice is commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. It adds a warm, earthy flavor.

• Chili Powder – Depending on the blend, this can provide a mix of smokiness, heat and depth.

• Oregano – Both dried and fresh oregano lend a subtle grassy, woodsy note. Mexican oregano is excellent with beans.

• Cilantro – Fresh chopped cilantro brightens up beans with its zesty, lime-like flavor.

• Thyme – Earthy thyme complements the nutty flavor of beans.

• Smoked Paprika – As the name suggests, this adds a touch of smokiness.

• Bay Leaf – In addition to seasoning, bay leaves lend a woodsy aroma.

Experiment with spices like cayenne, coriander, cumin or red pepper flakes to amp up the flavor even more. The options are endless!

Acidic Ingredients

Incorporating something acidic is key when seasoning beans. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar or tomatoes help balance out beans’ natural starchiness. They add brightness and prevent the beans from tasting flat. Some easy acidic additions include:

• Lemon Juice – A squeeze of lemon brings vibrancy.

• Red or White Wine Vinegar – A teaspoon or two of vinegar per can of beans provides tang.

• Tomatoes – Diced, crushed, pureed or tomato sauce adds sweet acidity.

• Hot Sauce – A dash or two of hot sauce gives beans a spicy kick.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount until you achieve the desired flavor balance. Start small and adjust to your taste preferences. The acid will make a big difference in livening up the entire dish.

Rich Ingredients

While beans themselves have a rather mild flavor, pairing them with richer, more intensely flavored ingredients can really make them shine. Consider incorporating:

• Bacon – Classic! Crisp chopped bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor.

• Ham or Sausage – Diced ham and crumbled sausage lend meaty flavors.

• Caramelized Onions – Sweet, browned onions add incredible depth.

• Roasted Garlic – Warms and mellows the garlic’s bite.

• Cheese – Sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, etc.

• Avocado – Cubed or sliced avocado contributes creaminess.

The options are limitless! Anything from olives, to roasted peppers, to coconut milk can complement beans’ earthy flavor.

Liquids

The liquid you cook the beans in, or add after heating, also significantly impacts flavor. Swap out plain water for:

• Broths – Chicken, beef and vegetable broth lend richer depth.

• Wine – Red or white wine bolsters flavor.

• Beer – Stouts, porters and dark beers work especially well.

• Coffee – Surprisingly, a small amount of coffee intensifies the flavor.

• Coconut Milk – Adds richness and subtle sweetness.

Even just using milk or cream instead of water makes a difference. Liquids introduce new dimensions that water simply cannot.

Finishing Touches

Lastly, don’t forget garnishes and finishing touches! Toppings like:

• Fresh Chopped Herbs – Cilantro, parsley, basil, mint, etc.

• Nuts – Chopped walnuts, almonds, pecans add crunch.

• Seeds – Pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds also provide texture.

• Crumbled Cheese – A little feta, goat cheese, queso fresco or shredded cheese.

• Sour Cream – Cool, tangy contrast to the beans.

• Hot Sauce – More hot sauce never hurts!

These extras add appealing textures and visual appeal. They put your bean dish over the top.

Putting it All Together

While plain beans may seem bland, with the right additions, they can become an exciting and flavorful component of a meal. Follow these tips:

• Start with a flavor base of sauteed aromatics like onion, garlic, celery and carrots.

• Incorporate herbs, spices and acid to balance flavors. Think cumin, oregano, cilantro, lemon juice.

• Add richness from ingredients like bacon, sausage, caramelized onions, cheese and avocado.

• Cook beans in flavorful liquids like broth, wine or beer instead of plain water.

• Finish with fresh herbs, nuts, seeds, cheese and other toppings.

The possibilities are endless, so unleash your imagination! With a combination of aromatics, acidity, richness and texture, you can take beans from boring to beautiful. Next time you cook up a pot of beans, try jazzing them up. Your tastebuds will thank you!

So instead of asking “what do I add to plain beans?”, start answering “what won’t I add to take these beans to the next level!” Get creative with produce, spices, meats, liquids and garnishes galore. Before you know it, plain old beans will become your new favorite bean masterpiece.