Chipotle Black Beans
Chipotle Black Beans is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Cilantro Parsley on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 47 min
Cost: $5.15 total, $1.29 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Chipotle Pepper in Adobo (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin (toasted)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (crushed)
- 1 cup Fresh Orange Juice (about 2 oranges, freshly squeezed)
- 2 Bay Leaves (whole)
- 2 cups Water (filtered)
- 2 15‑oz cans Canned Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup Tomatoes (diced, fresh or canned)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- to taste Salt (sea salt)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and dice the potatoes, dice the tomatoes, juice the oranges, and rinse the beans. Set everything aside.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Onion
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Garlic and Spices
Add the minced garlic, chopped chipotle, ground cumin, and crushed oregano to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Combine Liquids and Main Ingredients
Stir in the fresh orange juice, bay leaves, water, drained beans, diced potatoes, and tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Simmer the Stew
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beans and potatoes are tender.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low simmer
Finish with Cilantro
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the stew into bowls and enjoy hot. Optional: garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of fresh orange.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: hot
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 10g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White Onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chipotle Pepper in Adobo: Chipotle powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Ground coriander
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Mexican oregano
- Instead of Fresh Orange Juice: Store‑bought orange juice
- Instead of Water: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Canned Black Beans: Canned pinto beans
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (for flavor)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the onion until soft and translucent.
- Simmer the stew until the liquid evaporates and the beans are tender.
- Stir in fresh cilantro at the end for brightness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the cumin and oregano briefly before adding for deeper flavor.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest acidity.
- Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smokiness if desired.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas or a side of rice.
Troubleshooting
Stew is too thick.
Add a splash of water or low‑sodium broth and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Stew is too watery.
Continue simmering uncovered until excess liquid evaporates and the stew thickens.
Stew is overly spicy.
Stir in a little more orange juice or a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Not recommended; keep refrigerated.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the stew a day ahead; refrigerate and reheat gently over low heat.
- Portion and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of orange chipotle bean stew in Mexican cuisine?
Bean stews have long been a staple in Mexican households, providing affordable protein and comfort. Adding chipotle and orange juice reflects regional flavors from Oaxaca and Veracruz, where smoky chilies and citrus are common.
What are the traditional regional variations of chipotle bean stew in Mexico?
In Oaxaca, the stew often uses black beans, smoked chilies, and chocolate, while in Veracruz coastal versions add more citrus and tomatoes. Each region adjusts the spice level and choice of beans to local tastes.
How is orange chipotle bean stew traditionally served in Mexican households?
It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, accompanied by warm corn tortillas, rice, or a side of fresh avocado. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime (or orange) finish the dish.
What occasions or celebrations is chipotle bean stew associated with in Mexican culture?
Bean stews are common for everyday family meals, but they also appear at communal gatherings like fiestas, picnics, and after‑church lunches because they can be made in large batches and stay flavorful.
How does orange chipotle bean stew fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?
It embodies the Mexican culinary pillars of legumes, chilies, and bright citrus. The combination of smoky chipotle with sweet orange creates a balance of heat and acidity that is characteristic of many Mexican dishes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for orange chipotle bean stew versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include black beans, chipotle peppers in adobo, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and fresh orange juice. Acceptable substitutes are pinto beans, chipotle powder, dried oregano, or bottled orange juice if fresh is unavailable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making orange chipotle bean stew?
Common errors include overcooking the garlic, which turns bitter, not allowing the stew to reduce enough, resulting in a watery dish, and adding too much chipotle, making it overly spicy. Keep the heat moderate and taste as you go.
Why does this orange chipotle bean stew recipe use orange juice instead of lime juice?
Orange juice adds a sweet‑citrus depth that balances the smoky heat of chipotle, while lime would be sharper and could overpower the bean flavor. The orange also contributes a subtle caramelized note during simmering.
How do I know when the orange chipotle bean stew is done cooking?
The stew is ready when the potatoes are fork‑tender, the beans are soft, and most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a thick, glossy sauce that coats the ingredients. A quick taste should reveal balanced heat and acidity.
What does the YouTube channel Cilantro Parsley specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cilantro Parsley specializes in fresh, plant‑forward recipes that highlight Latin American flavors, with a focus on quick, wholesome meals for home cooks.
What other Mexican‑inspired recipes is the YouTube channel Cilantro Parsley known for?
Cilantro Parsley is known for dishes like Chilaquiles Verde, Elote (Mexican street corn), and Vegan Tamale Stuffed Peppers, all featuring bold spices and fresh herbs.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
