Black Bean Grilled Cheese
A delightful blend of protein-packed black beans and melty cheese creates a comforting and customizable sandwich that's perfect for any meal.
Ingrédients
For the filling
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the sandwich
- 8 slices sandwich bread (whole wheat or white) Substitute with gluten-free bread if needed.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese For a vegan version, use vegan cheese.
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened Substitute with plant-based alternative for vegan option.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Drain and rinse the black beans thoroughly, chop your onion and cilantro if using, and measure out all spices.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Stir in the black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, optional chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, mashing some of the beans gently to create a nice mixture.
- Remove from heat and mix in chopped cilantro and lime juice. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Assembly
- Lay out the bread slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
- Flip half of the slices over so the buttered side faces down and evenly distribute the black bean filling over the unbuttered side.
- Top each with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Cover the open-faced sandwiches with the remaining slices of bread, buttered sides facing up.
Cooking the Sandwiches
- Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Cook the sandwiches in the pan for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly for even cooking, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serving
- Slice the sandwiches diagonally and serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños or nutritional yeast. Serve with avocado slices for creaminess, or experiment with different bread types.