Slovak-style Sweet and Savory Black Beans

Ingredients

In this Slovak adaptation of Kuro-mame, we infuse the dish with traditional Slovak spices and flavors. The original Japanese recipe is typically sweet, while our Slovak-style version incorporates savory elements to create a more robust flavor profile. Additionally, we use local Slovak ingredients to enhance the authenticity of the dish and adapt it to the Slovak culinary tradition. We alse have the original recipe for Kuro-mame, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) black beans 2 cups (400g) black beans
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the black beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in water.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
3. 3.
   Drain the soaked black beans and add them to the pot. Stir in the brown sugar, tomato paste, paprika, caraway seeds, and bay leaf.
4. 4.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
6. 6.
   Serve the Slovak-style black beans hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black beans — Soaking the black beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before soaking.
• Caraway seeds — Toasting the caraway seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes before using them will enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the simmering beans.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the dish.
• Serve the black beans with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to make it a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The flavors of this dish deepen and develop even more when reheated the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Slovak-style Sweet and Savory Black Beans as a main course accompanied by a side of crusty bread or steamed rice. The beans can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the beans before serving. You can also serve the dish in individual bowls or on a large platter, garnished with additional fresh herbs for an appealing visual effect.