Savory Cuban Black Bean Delight
Experience the rich and vibrant flavors of this Savory Cuban Black Bean Delight, a quick and delightful soup that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe captures the essence of Cuban cooking with its aromatic spices, smoky ham, and hearty black beans. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that bursts with flavor. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions for an authentic touch! Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this soup not only warms you up but also brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table.
6
Servings
260
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
6 tablespoons (none)
smoked ham
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1 cup (chopped, divided (2/3 cup for cooking and 1/3 for garnish))
black beans
3 (15 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed (2 cans pureed, 1 can whole))
vegetable broth
2 (14 ounce) cans (none)
ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon (none)
hot pepper sauce
3/4 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried sherry wine
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
sour cream
1/2 cup (for garnishing)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped smoked ham and 2/3 cup of the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion is softened and fragrant.
2
In a blender, puree 2 cans of the drained black beans along with their liquid until smooth. This will create a rich base for the soup. Add the pureed beans, the remaining whole black beans, vegetable broth, ground cumin, hot pepper sauce, and oregano to the saucepan.
3
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until heated through, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Stir in the dried sherry and season with salt and pepper according to taste. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
5
Serve hot, garnished with the remaining chopped onion and a generous dollop of sour cream for a creamy finish.
Nutrition Information
10g
Protein
417mg
Sodium
16mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Cuban Black Bean Delight?
Savory Cuban Black Bean Delight is a quick and vibrant soup featuring aromatic spices, smoky ham, and hearty black beans, designed to bring Caribbean flavors to your table in under 30 minutes.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The total preparation and cooking time for this recipe is less than 30 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include black beans, vegetable broth, smoked ham, onion, oil, ground cumin, hot pepper sauce, dried oregano, and dried sherry wine.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is categorized as an under 30-minute meal, making it ideal for busy family dinners or quick meal prep.
How do I prepare the black beans for the soup base?
You should puree 2 cans of the black beans with their liquid in a blender until smooth to create a rich base, while keeping the third can whole.
What type of ham should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped smoked ham to provide a smoky flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
While the recipe includes ham, it is tagged as having a vegetarian option, implying you can omit the ham or use a meat-free alternative.
How many cans of black beans are required?
You will need three 15-ounce cans of black beans.
What spices are used to flavor the soup?
The soup is seasoned with 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin, 3/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much vegetable broth is needed?
The recipe requires two 14-ounce cans of vegetable broth.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat 6 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan and sauté the chopped smoked ham and 2/3 cup of the chopped onion for about 3 minutes.
How long should the ham and onion be sautéed?
Sauté the ham and onion for approximately 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Why are some of the beans pureed?
Pureeing two cans of the beans helps create a thick, rich, and creamy consistency for the soup base.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined, the mixture should simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When should the dried sherry be added?
The dried sherry wine should be stirred in after the initial 8-10 minute simmer, then cooked for an additional 2 minutes.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 260 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving of this soup provides 10g of protein.
What is the sodium content per serving?
There is 417mg of sodium per serving.
How much cholesterol is in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 16mg of cholesterol.
What garnishes are recommended for serving?
The soup is best served garnished with the remaining 1/3 cup of chopped onion and a dollop of sour cream.
Is the soup spicy?
The soup contains 3/4 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce, providing a mild heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
How much oil is required for cooking?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of oil.
What is the total amount of onion used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped onion, divided into 2/3 cup for cooking and 1/3 cup for garnishing.
What size cans of broth are used?
The recipe specifies two 14-ounce cans of vegetable broth.
Should the whole beans be rinsed?
Yes, the recipe suggests draining and rinsing the beans, though the two cans for pureeing use their liquid.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, though you should season according to your taste.
What kind of texture does the soup have?
The texture is a mix of a smooth, pureed base and hearty whole black beans.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as 'comfort food' and is described as a satisfying meal that warms you up.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
This specific recipe is optimized for canned beans to keep the prep time under 30 minutes, but cooked dry beans could be used if prepared in advance.