The most simple black beans ever made

1 or 2 cans black beans, undrained
butter or olive oil ( I prefer butter to crisp the onions in, but you can use the alternative for vegans with excellent results)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce onion and garlic in oil until onion is tender (I did mine until the onion was browned and starting to crisp, I loved the added flavor). Add remaining ingredients and simmer 5 - 10 minutes longer. Serve over rice

Optional: additional things I thought might be good in there, chopped celery to the onions while sauteing. Additional seasonings can be added too for more flavor. I was thinking maybe oregano, bay leaf, or rosemary

You can also use different types of beans, pinto with ham would be good too

Something else I enjoy with these beans is caramelized onions. Start the onions before you start the rice and then serve them on top of the beans.

Cecilotta says she sometimes adds a small can of ham to hers

Food Storage: Skip the oil. Use dehydrated onions and garlic. Add all the ingredients together and simmer about 15 minutes making sure dehydrated onions are not still crunchy.

Economical Counter: Total Cost to feed 5 people with 1 1/2 cups of beans and rice (3/4 c. of each)

Black beans (price per can x 2) $1.56
Butter (2 Tablespoons) $0.16
Onion $0.25
Fresh Garlic(Two Cloves) $0.12
Rice (Uncle Bens brand) $1.78 (two cups uncooked rice)

Total $3.87
Per Serving Total: $0.77

While looking for more black bean recipes I came across this black bean stew recipe and thought it looked worth sharing. I haven't tried it yet though.