Though Whole Foods is known for its higher-priced staples, diligent shoppers can uncover hidden gems if they carefully navigate the aisles. Having frequented this grocer since its days as Bread and Circus, I’ve honed the skill of finding wallet-friendly ingredients on their shelves. One staple I never overlook at Whole Foods is A Dozen Cousins Cuban Black Beans. Priced at just $3, this protein-packed and flavorful discovery has been a culinary essential in my kitchen for years.
What Sets A Dozen Cousins’ Black Beans Apart?
A Dozen Cousins stays true to the Cuban tradition of cooking black beans, starting with a fragrant sofrito blend of onions, garlic, bell peppers, and avocado oil. This flavorful base infuses the protein with a medley of tangy apple cider vinegar, sweet tomato paste, and earthy spices during the simmering process.
Did you know these pouches are microwave-friendly? In a mere 60 seconds, you can enjoy a warm serving of these black beans to enhance any meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ways to Enjoy A Dozen Cousins’ Cuban Black Beans
Scramble Them with Eggs
In the morning, I whip up scrambled eggs and mix in a few spoonfuls of black beans for a heartier and more flavorful breakfast. For an added burst of taste, I garnish the dish with fresh cilantro, salsa, avocado, and cotija cheese.
Make a Quesadilla
Spread black beans on a tortilla, layer on shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or Chihuahua, and grill until golden and gooey. This quick quesadilla hack with just three ingredients always surprises me in the best way.
Top a Hearty Salad
For a twist, swap out conventional proteins like chicken or salmon in your salad for these seasoned black beans. I love serving these legumes on a bed of romaine with taco-style toppings such as cheese, salsa, cherry tomatoes, corn, pickled red onions, tortilla strips, and avocado, finished with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing.
Blend into Hummus
Blend a pouch of these Cuban beans for an instant and delicious hummus. No additional seasonings necessary, this creamy snack pairs perfectly with crudités, pita, or tortilla chips.
Create a Burger
Combine mashed A Dozen Cousins Cuban Black Beans with an egg and panko breadcrumbs to craft plant-based burgers. Refrigerate the patties for one to two hours before pan-frying and serving on a brioche bun with avocado, tomatoes, and other toppings.
Enhance a Chili
For a cozy meal on chilly days, substitute traditional black beans in your chili recipe with the Cuban beans from A Dozen Cousins. Infuse your soup with aromatic sofrito-like flavors.
Where to Purchase A Dozen Cousins’ Bean Pouches
In addition to Whole Foods, you can find these black beans at major
Even has a conveniently designed digital store locator that allows you to easily locate a pack near you. Each pouch can be found in the dry goods aisle, typically priced at around $3, situated alongside other canned legumes. In addition to the classic variety, the brand also offers a diverse selection of flavors such as Mexican Pinto Beans, Creole Red Beans, Trini Chickpea Curry, and more. This extensive range ensures that you’ll have plenty of options to explore if you are a fan of this line of convenient and scrumptious pantry staples. For more information, you can refer to the original article on ALLRECIPES.
