Cuban Comfort: Abuela's Perfectly Seasoned Black Beans
Experience the heartwarming flavors of traditional Cuban black beans with every bite of Abuela's Perfectly Seasoned Black Beans. These authentic beans are lovingly slow-cooked to tender perfection, infused with aromatic spices and a hint of sweetness. While the preparation takes time, the incredible depth of flavor is worth every moment. A splash of vinegar and dry wine adds a delightful tang, making this dish a cherished centerpiece for any family gathering. Plus, a tip from Abuela: adding a teaspoon of baking soda in the last hour helps reduce the tummy troubles that sometimes follow a hearty bean feast. Bring the essence of Cuba to your table with this soul-nourishing recipe!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
black beans
1 lb (washed and soaked overnight)
green peppers
2 large (cut into several large slices)
water
10 cups (for cooking the beans)
olive oil
2/3 cup (for sautéing)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
onion
1 large (diced)
oregano
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
garlic cloves
4 (crushed)
bay leaf
1 (for flavoring)
sugar
2 teaspoons (for balancing flavors)
salt
4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
vinegar
2 teaspoons (added at the end of cooking)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for drizzling before serving)
dry wine
2 teaspoons (added at the end of cooking)
Instructions
1
Rinse the black beans under cold water, then place them in a large bowl with enough water to cover. Add half of the green peppers and let them soak overnight at room temperature to ensure they swell and soften.
2
After soaking, drain the beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add 10 cups of fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender.
3
In a separate skillet, heat 2/3 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, crushed garlic, and the remaining green pepper slices. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Take 1 cup of the cooked beans from the pot, and mash them well with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Stir the mashed beans back into the pot with the remaining beans.
5
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, oregano, sugar, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine, then cover the pot and bring the mixture back to a gentle boil.
6
Lower the heat and let the beans simmer for an additional hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
After an hour, stir in the vinegar and dry wine. Cover the pot again and let everything simmer for one more hour, adjusting the heat as necessary.
8
If the beans seem too watery after the total cooking time, remove the lid and let them cook uncovered until the sauce thickens to your liking.
9
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for extra richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban Comfort: Abuela's Perfectly Seasoned Black Beans?
It is a traditional Cuban dish featuring slow-cooked black beans infused with aromatic spices, vinegar, and dry wine.
How long should I soak the black beans?
The beans should be soaked overnight at room temperature to ensure they swell and soften properly.
What should be added to the water during the soaking stage?
You should add half of the large green pepper slices to the water while the beans soak.
How much water is required for cooking?
You need 10 cups of fresh water to boil and simmer the beans.
How long is the initial simmering time for the beans?
After bringing the water to a boil, reduce the heat and let the beans simmer for about 45 minutes until tender.
What ingredients are used in the sautéed sofrito?
The sofrito consists of olive oil, diced onion, crushed garlic, and the remaining green pepper slices.
How long should the onion and garlic be sautéed?
They should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Why are some of the beans mashed?
One cup of cooked beans is mashed and returned to the pot to create a smooth, thick consistency for the sauce.
What spices are used to season these black beans?
The beans are seasoned with salt, black pepper, oregano, and a bay leaf.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to help balance the savory and tangy flavors.
How long do the beans simmer after adding the initial seasonings?
They should simmer for one hour with the pot covered after the spices are added.
When are the vinegar and dry wine added?
The vinegar and dry wine are added after the beans have simmered for one hour with the seasonings.
How much olive oil is used for the sofrito?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of olive oil to sauté the aromatic vegetables.
What is the purpose of adding dry wine?
Dry wine adds a delightful tang and an incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
What should I do if the beans are too watery?
You can remove the lid and continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
What is Abuela's tip for reducing digestive issues?
Abuela suggests adding a teaspoon of baking soda during the last hour of cooking to help reduce tummy troubles.
When should I remove the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be removed just before serving the dish.
How is the dish finished before serving?
The dish is finished with a drizzle of 2 teaspoons of olive oil for extra richness.
What size should the green peppers be cut into?
The recipe calls for 2 large green peppers cut into several large slices.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 crushed garlic cloves.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this traditional recipe uses only plant-based ingredients and is suitable for vegetarians.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of dried black beans.
How much salt is used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of salt to properly season the large batch of beans.
How much oregano is included?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of oregano.
Should the beans be rinsed before soaking?
Yes, rinse the black beans under cold water before placing them in the soaking bowl.
What is the total simmering time after the initial boil?
The beans simmer for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes in total across various stages.
At what temperature should the beans soak?
The beans should be left to soak at room temperature.
Why is it important to stir the beans occasionally?
Occasional stirring prevents the beans from sticking to the bottom of the pot during the long simmering process.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
No, this is a slow-cooked recipe that requires overnight soaking and several hours of cooking to achieve authentic flavor.