Authentic Cuban Black Beans with Ham Hock
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Cuban cuisine with this Authentic Cuban Black Beans with Ham Hock recipe. This dish is a beloved staple in many Cuban households, drawing inspiration from traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. By slow-cooking dried black beans in a deeply flavorful broth with smoked ham hock, garlic, and spices, you'll achieve a velvety-textured dish that pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice. Serve it as a hearty side or a satisfying main dish, and savor the taste of Cuba in your own kitchen.
6
Servings
200
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried black beans
1 lb (rinsed and sorted)
Water
4 cups (for soaking)
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Smoked ham hock
1 lb (whole)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (ground)
Ground cumin
3 teaspoons (ground)
Bay leaves
2 (whole)
Chicken stock
4 cups (low-sodium)
Chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Vinegar
1 tablespoon (white or apple cider)
Salt
to taste (adjust as needed)
Pepper
to taste (adjust as needed)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
4.2g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Cuban Black Beans with Ham Hock?
It is a traditional Cuban dish made by slow-cooking dried black beans with smoked ham hock, garlic, and spices to achieve a velvety texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
What type of beans should I use?
You should use 1 lb of dried black beans that have been rinsed and sorted.
Is bean soaking required?
Yes, the recipe calls for 4 cups of water specifically for soaking the beans.
What provides the smoky flavor in this recipe?
A 1 lb whole smoked ham hock is used to infuse the dish with a deep, smoky flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
While this specific recipe uses ham hock and chicken stock, it is tagged as having a vegan option if you substitute those ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
What spices are needed?
The required spices include ground paprika, ground cumin, and bay leaves.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
What kind of chicken stock is recommended?
It is recommended to use 4 cups of low-sodium chicken stock.
What type of vinegar is best?
You can use 1 tablespoon of either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Is chili powder a required ingredient?
No, the 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder is optional.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be chopped before being added to the dish.
What is the amount of cumin used?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of ground cumin.
How many bay leaves are needed?
You will need 2 whole bay leaves.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 4.2g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the ham hock be cut up?
No, the 1 lb smoked ham hock should be kept whole during the cooking process.
How much paprika is included?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground paprika.
What are the primary flavor notes of this dish?
The dish is described as rich, comforting, and smoky with a velvety texture.
What is the best way to serve Cuban black beans?
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice as a hearty side or a main dish.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to taste and adjusted as needed.
How is the dish cooked?
It is a slow-cooked dish intended to allow flavors to meld together in a flavorful broth.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Black Beans.
How much water is needed for the beans?
You need 4 cups of water for the initial soaking process.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 3 garlic cloves should be minced.
Is this a good comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged specifically as a comfort food staple in Cuban cuisine.
What kind of black beans are used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of dried black beans.