Like other common beans, black beans originated in Central America thousands of years ago. Today, people around the world enjoy eating black beans though and of course, they remain incredibly popular in Latin America and the Southern US. In Cuba, black beans and rice is a popular, tasty, and economical dish. In Mexico, you might find black beans tucked into a burrito or as a side dish with fish or meat. Black bean burgers have become a popular vegetarian substitute for beef burgers, and some people are ...