Creamy Black Beans

Preparation

1. Step 1

   If using dried beans, rinse and drain 1 lb. dried black beans in a colander or fine-mesh sieve; transfer to a large bowl. Pour in water to cover by 2" and let soak in refrigerator at least 4 hours and up to 12 hours.

   Step 2

   Heat 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil in a small pot over medium-high. Cook ¼ large white onion, thinly sliced, 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, and ½ medium jalapeño, thinly sliced, stirring often, until beginning to take on some color, 6–8 minutes. Add 3 bay leaves, 1½ pasilla chiles, halved, seeds removed, 1 guajillo chile, halved, seeds removed, 1 Tbsp. ground cumin, 2 tsp. dried oregano, 1½ tsp. dried thyme, and 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

   Step 3

   If using dried beans, add beans and their soaking liquid to pot and pour in more water so beans are covered by 2". Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, adding more water as needed to keep beans submerged, until beans are tender, 45–55 minutes.

   Step 4

   If using canned beans, add three (15.5-oz.) cans black beans (do not rinse) to pot and pour in more water so beans are covered by 2". Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, adding more water as needed to keep beans submerged, until flavors have come together, 15–20 minutes.

   Step 5

   Drain beans in a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl; remove bay leaves and discard. Working in 2 batches if needed, purée bean mixture and ¾ cup bean broth in a blender, adding more bean broth if needed, until thick and hummus-like in consistency. Taste and season with salt. Discard any remaining bean broth.

   Do ahead: Beans can be cooked 5 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Reheat over low, stirring often.