Before cooking, soak the beans in water for 8 hours, then pressure cook for 18 minutes, or simmer on the stove for 2 hours. 1 cup of dried black beans makes approximately 2 1/2 portions of cooked beans. In Mexican cooking, black beans are prepared for serving in burritos, enchiladas, and as refried beans (frijoles refritos). Add chilled cooked beans to salads; they are especially good with fresh corn, chopped tomato, and cilantro seasoned with a little oil and vinegar.