Black foods are a delicious and nutritious way to add variety to your diet. From black beans and black rice to blackberries and squid ink pasta, these foods offer a unique flavor and texture that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
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Step into the world of culinary curiosity where colors and flavors collide, and let’s shine a spotlight on a shade that might not be your first craving: black.
We’re used to the bright and bold, but have you ever considered the allure of foods that boast a deep, dark hue?
From the mystery of squid ink pasta to the intrigue of deep, dark fruits and vegetables, black foods have more to offer than meets the eye. They bring not only visual excitement to the plate but also unique flavors and stories from different cultures.
Join us as we dive into this delightful side of dining on the dark side.
For Halloween, try pairing these black foods with some of these Orange Foods!
25+ Delicious Black Foods to Try
Squid Ink Pasta: This dish is made with squid ink pasta, a variety of seafood, and a tomato sauce. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a winter meal.
Blackberries: These tart berries are a good source of antioxidants and fiber. They can be eaten fresh, frozen, or cooked.
Black beans: These versatile beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. They can be eaten in salads, soups, and stews.
Black lentils: These small, black lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. They can be cooked in soups, stews, and curries.
Black rice: This type of rice has a deep purple color and a nutty flavor. It is a good source of antioxidants and fiber.
Black sesame seeds: These tiny seeds have a nutty flavor and a slightly bitter aftertaste. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.
Black garlic: This type of garlic has been aged for several weeks, which gives it a dark black color and a sweet, caramelized flavor. It is a good source of antioxidants and compounds that may boost heart health.
Black pepper: This spice is a good source of antioxidants and piperine, a compound that may help improve digestion.
Black coffee: This beverage is a good source of antioxidants and caffeine, which can help improve alertness and cognitive function.
Black tea: This type of tea is a good source of antioxidants and caffeine. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.
Blackstrap molasses: This type of molasses is made from the third boiling of sugarcane juice. It is a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Black truffles: These mushrooms have a strong, earthy flavor. They are a good source of antioxidants and can be used to add flavor to dishes like pasta, risotto, and eggs.
Black walnuts: These nuts have a rich, nutty flavor. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Black cocoa powder: This type of cocoa powder is made from roasted cocoa beans that have been processed without alkali. It has a richer flavor and a higher concentration of antioxidants than regular cocoa powder.
Black pudding: This type of blood sausage is made with pork blood, fat, and oats. It is a good source of iron and protein.
Black rice vinegar: This type of vinegar is made from black rice that has been fermented. It has a deep, fruity flavor and is often used in Asian cuisine.
Blackstrap rum: This type of rum is made from molasses. It has a strong, sweet flavor and is often used in cocktails.
Black turtle beans: These beans have a dark brown or black color. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron.
Blackened catfish: This dish is made with catfish that has been coated in a spice mixture and blackened in a pan. It is a popular dish in the southern United States.
Blackened chicken: This dish is made with chicken that has been coated in a spice mixture and blackened in a pan.
Blackened salmon: This dish is made with salmon that has been coated in a spice mixture and blackened in a pan. It is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Black mission figs: These figs have a dark purple skin and a sweet, juicy flesh. They are a good source of antioxidants and fiber.
Black sesame paste: This paste is made from roasted black sesame seeds. It has a rich, nutty flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as hummus, tahini sauce, and baba ghanoush.
Black-eyed peas: These peas have a dark brown or black color. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron.
Black truffle pasta: This pasta is made with black truffles, which give it a rich, earthy flavor. It is a delicious and decadent dish that is perfect for a special occasion.
More Color Themed Foods
- Purple Foods
- Pink Foods
- Red Foods
- Blue Foods
- Green Foods
- Yellow Foods
- Orange Foods
- Brown Foods
- Maroon Foods
- White Foods
Did you Make Any of These Black Foods?
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25+ Black Foods to Try Out
Ingredients
- 12 ounces squid ink pasta
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (thinly sliced )
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/3 cup white wine or dry vermouth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced )
- 1/2 cup chopped basil
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- In a large skillet heat olive oil on medium-high heat until hot. Add the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1-2 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until dark red. Add the cherry tomatoes, white wine, ¼ cup water and red pepper flakes; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened.
- Cook the pasta to al dente, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, add the shrimp to tomatoes; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until cooked.
- Add the cooked pasta, butter, lemon zest, lemon juice and half the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet with the shrimp & tomatoes. Cook, stirring frequently, 2-3 minutes, or until the pasta is coated in the sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste. (If the sauce seems dry, add in some of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.) Turn off the heat and stir in half the basil.
- Garnish with remaining basil and serve.
