Silky strained black beans blended smooth, a Yucatán staple served with nearly every meal. This vegetarian, fiber-rich side is a healthy family essential with clean, earthy flavor.
Pick over and rinse the dried black beans. Combine with 5 cups water, the small peeled onion (left whole), and garlic cloves in a large pot.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer, partially covered, for 1.5–2 hours until the beans are completely soft and almost falling apart.
Discard the onion. Let the beans cool slightly, reserving the cooking liquid.
Blend beans and garlic with just enough reserved cooking liquid to achieve a thick, pourable consistency. Puree until perfectly smooth.
Heat olive oil in a clean pot over medium-low. Add the pureed beans, season with salt, and cook gently, stirring constantly for 10–15 minutes until silky and slightly glossy. Adjust salt as needed and serve warm.