I catered a small office lunch a while back. The menu was Ropa Vieja with rice, black beans, raw onions, lime wedges, and cilantro. I also served Corn Poblano Salad and a vegetarian “Ropa Vieja” alternative. In every catering job, there is usually a dish or two that cuts corners and is made the easier way. In this case, I doctored up canned black beans instead of starting with dried. An initial taste of the beans revealed a tinny taste that I was not comfortable serving. I didn’t have the time or the beans to start over so I had to improvise. I added a few extra ingredients into the beans and finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar, which is quickly becoming my favorite secret ingredient.
The beans were passable, but I delivered the food with some hesitation. I crossed my fingers that the rest of the food would shine through and nobody would care about the beans.
To my pleasant surprise, I learned later that the black beans were one of the favorite dishes. They stood out as a unique dish and were completely devoured!
I have since made these Smoky Balsamic Black Beans on purpose and using both canned and dried beans with great results. It’s so great when a recipe cover up becomes a new favorite.
What kitchen flukes have you turned into fan favorites?
Smoky Balsamic Black Beans
Ingredients
Instructions
I love this black bean soup recipe. Whenever I don’t know what to cook I always go to this. It’s so easy and quick. I have even shared this with my grandsons girlfriend. I gave her the recipe and all the things to make it.