Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the heart of Venezuela with this mouthwatering Black Bean and Cheese Domino! This isn't just another bean dish - it's a flavor-packed, cheesy sensation that will revolutionize your dinner routine. Imagine a perfect blend of creamy black beans, melted cheese, and aromatic spices that come together in a dish so irresistible, you'll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans, cooked
- 1 cup cheese, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. If you haven't done so already, cook the black beans until they are tender. This can be done by soaking them overnight and then boiling them for about 1-
- 5 hours, or using canned black beans for convenience.
- In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the cooked black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth.
- While the bean mixture is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the bean mixture is ready, remove it from the heat. In a baking dish, layer half of the bean mixture at the bottom, followed by half of the grated cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining bean mixture and cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and allow it to bake for an additional 10 minutes to get a nice golden crust on top.
- Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or served with rice or tortillas.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your Venezuelan Black Bean and Cheese Domino!
Tips
- Bean Preparation Hack: If you're short on time, use high-quality canned black beans. For the most authentic flavor, soak dried beans overnight for a more tender texture.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Use a melting cheese like queso blanco or a mild cheddar for the best results. Grate it fresh for maximum creaminess.
- Flavor Boosting Tip: Toast your cumin in the pan for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to release its full aromatic potential.
- Texture Trick: For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to create a golden, crunchy cheese crust.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a side of warm tortillas to elevate the entire dining experience.Pro Tip: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
