Description
Cuban black beans weave a rich culinary story of comfort and tradition. Slow-simmered legumes develop intense flavors that connect home cooks with Caribbean heritage. Enjoy this soul-warming dish that welcomes families around warm tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (2 cups) dried black beans, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp white vinegar or lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak Beans: Submerge dried beans in cool water overnight, ensuring complete hydration. Drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking.
- Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onions, green peppers, and garlic until softened and fragrant, creating a flavor-packed foundation for the beans.
- Combine and Simmer: Add soaked beans to the vegetable mixture, incorporating water or chicken broth, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, covering with a tight lid and cooking for 90-120 minutes.
- Texture Development: Periodically check liquid levels and gently mash some beans against the pot’s side to create a creamy, thick consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Final Seasoning: Brighten the dish with a splash of vinegar or lime juice. Adjust seasonings to taste, ensuring a balanced and vibrant flavor profile.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the rich, tender beans over fluffy white rice, crowning with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
Notes
- Soak Strategically: Overnight soaking helps beans cook faster, reduces gas-producing compounds, and ensures even, tender texture.
- Spice with Precision: Balance cumin, paprika, and oregano carefully to capture authentic Cuban flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Monitor Moisture Levels: Check liquid periodically during slow cooking to prevent beans from drying out or burning, adding water if needed.
- Creamy Technique: Gently mashing some beans against pot’s side creates natural thickening, developing rich, silky consistency without additional thickeners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg