Spanish Black Beans (Alubias Negras de Tolosa)

By
Lisa & Tony Sierra
Lisa & Tony Sierra
Lisa and Tony Sierra are freelance writers and Spanish food experts who lead culinary tours of the country.
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Updated on 02/13/23
Black beans
CreatiVegan.net / Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 75 mins
Soaking Beans: 8 hrs
Total: 9 hrs 25 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
744 Calories
28g Fat
92g Carbs
32g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 744
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 5g 27%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 286mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 92g 33%
Dietary Fiber 24g 87%
Protein 32g
Calcium 276mg 21%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Tolosa Beans are famous because of the weekly market in the town of Tolosa, which has been held since 1,256 CE. Travelers from neighboring provinces had to pass through Tolosa on their way to France, so the reputation of the high-quality legumes spread. Tolosa beans can range from a dark purple to black. Until the second half of the 20th century, beans were a daily part of the Spanish diet. Industrialization and a rise in the standard of living resulted in a reduction in the amount of beans a typical Spanish family ate. Today, the Spanish diet is changing once again. Nutritionists are encouraging the consumption of beans as part of a healthy diet, and there is a renewed interest in traditional Spanish regional cuisines.

This recipe for Alubias Negras de Tolosa is a simple recipe, which can be made with any dried black bean available in local markets. After soaking, simmer in water, add Spanish chorizo and morcilla sausages. and finally mix in sautéed onions, garlic, sweet pepper, and leek. It is a satisfying main course and a perfect dinner for cold weather.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (454 grams) dried black beans
  • 5 to 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 small Spanish chorizo sausages
  • 1 morcilla de cebolla (onion morcilla sausage)
  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons; about 1/3 cup) white wine
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 long green sweet pepper (Italian), chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 leek, cleaned and white portion sliced very thinly
  • Salt to taste

Steps to Make It

Note: Any dried black bean can be used in this recipe. Tolosa beans can be purchased from international grocery stores or through Spanish food sources online.

  1. Rinse beans. Place in large pot and add cold water to cover by at least one inch on top. Soak the beans overnight (or 8 hours) in the water.

    Drain and rinse the beans, return them to the pot, and add more water to cover. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, heat to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer on low for about 45 minutes. Check frequently and add water to cover as necessary.

  2. Prick each sausage with a fork to release flavor and add to the beans, along with the white wine. Continue simmering for another 15 minutes, adding water as necessary.

  3. Heat the remaining 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet on medium and add onion, pepper, and garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent. Add leek and continue to sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.

  4. Add sautéed vegetables to beans and mix thoroughly. Simmer for another five to 10 minutes or until beans are tender. Taste and season with salt.

    Beans should be soupy, so add a bit of water if necessary. Serve hot in wide soup bowls.

Serving suggestion: Cut morcilla sausage into quarters and divide between bowls. Serve with rustic bread and a light green salad.

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