Black food is striking and can add a dramatic flair to any meal. Here are some recipes that result in black dishes due to the use of ingredients like squid ink, black beans, black rice, or activated charcoal:
Squid Ink Pasta: This is a classic Italian dish that uses squid or cuttlefish ink to turn the pasta a deep, jet black. It's often served with seafood for a visually striking and delicious meal.
Black Bean Soup: This hearty soup gets its black color naturally from black beans. It's often served with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro for contrast.
Black Rice Pudding: Black rice pudding is a traditional Asian dessert that uses naturally black glutinous rice. It's often sweetened with sugar and coconut milk for a creamy, sweet finish.
Black Ice Cream: This trendy dessert gets its black color from activated charcoal. Despite its gothic appearance, it can be made in any flavor, from vanilla to coconut.
Black Sesame Smoothie: Black sesame seeds are ground and blended with milk (or a dairy-free alternative) and a touch of honey for a healthy, visually striking smoothie.
Black Garlic Chicken: This unique dish uses black garlic, an aged form of garlic that turns black naturally, to give the chicken a deep, umami flavor and a darker appearance. Also, try blackened chicken!
Black Lentil Salad: Black lentils hold their shape well when cooked, making them a great choice for salads. Pair them with brightly colored vegetables for a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
Black Bread (Pumpernickel): This dark, dense bread gets its color from a mix of rye flour and often, cocoa or coffee. It has a robust flavor that pairs well with strong cheeses and cured meats.