Savory Cuban Black Beans with Aromatic Spice
Experience the rich, vibrant flavors of traditional Cuban cuisine with these Savory Cuban Black Beans. This dish transforms humble black beans into a delicious centerpiece, simmered to perfection with aromatic garlic, onions, and spices. Ideal for serving over fluffy white rice, these beans can be enhanced with toppings like fresh chopped onions, parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of vinegar. For an extra indulgence, mix in crispy, cooked bacon pieces. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe exemplifies the heartwarming essence of Cuban home cooking, making it a versatile companion not only for rice but also alongside picadillo and fried plantains.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried black beans
1 lb (rinsed and sorted)
water
4 cups (for soaking)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled and chopped)
medium onion
1 (peeled and chopped)
medium onion
1 (cut in half)
green pepper
1 (cut in half)
Spanish paprika
2 teaspoons
ground cumin
3 teaspoons
bay leaves
2
oregano
1 teaspoon
chicken stock
4 cups
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon
vinegar
1 tablespoon
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large stock pot, combine the dried black beans and 4 cups of water. Add the halved green pepper and halved onion. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil for 2 minutes.
2
Once boiling, turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 1 hour. After the hour is complete, remove the onion and green pepper from the pot.
3
Uncover the pot and add minced garlic, chopped onion, Spanish paprika, ground cumin, bay leaves, oregano, chicken stock, chili powder, and additional water or stock if needed to ensure the beans are just covered.
4
Cover the pot again and simmer over low heat for about 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level to avoid sticking.
5
Once the beans are tender, stir in the vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve the black beans hot over white rice, and offer additional toppings like chopped onions, parsley, olive oil, and bacon if desired. Enjoy alongside picadillo and fried plantains for a complete Cuban meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cuban Black Beans?
Savory Cuban Black Beans are a vibrant traditional Cuban dish made by simmering black beans with garlic, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices until tender.
What is the main ingredient in this recipe?
The primary ingredient is 1 lb of dried black beans that have been rinsed and sorted to remove any debris.
How do I prepare the beans for the initial soak?
In a large stock pot, combine the dried beans with 4 cups of water, one halved green pepper, and one halved onion, then boil for 2 minutes.
How long should the beans sit after the initial boil?
After boiling for 2 minutes, you should turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for 1 hour.
When do I remove the halved onion and green pepper?
Remove the halved onion and green pepper from the pot once the one-hour soaking period is complete.
What spices provide the aromatic flavor in this dish?
The flavor comes from Spanish paprika, ground cumin, bay leaves, oregano, and a small amount of chili powder.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves, which should be peeled and chopped before being added to the pot.
What type of stock is used for simmering?
This recipe uses 4 cups of chicken stock, although water or vegetable stock can be used as alternatives.
How long do the beans need to simmer to become tender?
The beans should simmer over low heat for approximately 2 hours.
How do I prevent the beans from sticking to the pot?
You should stir the beans occasionally and monitor the liquid level, adding more water or stock if the beans are no longer covered.
When is the vinegar added to the beans?
The vinegar is stirred in once the beans are tender, just before the final few minutes of simmering.
What is the purpose of the final 5-10 minute simmer?
The final simmer after adding vinegar and seasonings allows all the flavors to properly meld together.
What is the traditional way to serve these beans?
These beans are traditionally served hot over fluffy white rice, often alongside picadillo and fried plantains.
Are there any meat additions suggested for this recipe?
Yes, for extra indulgence, you can mix in crispy, cooked bacon pieces.
What are some recommended toppings for Cuban black beans?
Suggested toppings include fresh chopped onions, parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and an extra splash of vinegar.
How many onions are required for the recipe?
The recipe uses two medium onions: one cut in half for the soak and one chopped for the simmer.
How much ground cumin is used?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What amount of Spanish paprika is included?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Spanish paprika.
How many bay leaves should I add?
Two bay leaves are added during the simmering phase to enhance the aroma.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is aromatic rather than spicy, using only 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder for subtle flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make the dish fully vegetarian.
What amount of oregano is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of oregano.
How much vinegar is required?
One tablespoon of vinegar is used to brighten the flavor profile of the beans.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste after the beans have finished their 2-hour simmer and are tender.
What is the significance of sorting the beans?
Sorting ensures that any small stones or field debris common in dried bean packages are removed before cooking.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 15 ingredients, including the beans, stock, vegetables, and various spices.
Can the beans be served as a centerpiece dish?
Absolutely, these beans are hearty and flavorful enough to be served as a delicious centerpiece over rice.
What heat level is best for cooking the beans?
A low heat setting is recommended for the 2-hour simmer to ensure the beans cook evenly without burning.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is a heartwarming essence of Cuban home cooking that is perfect for family gatherings and dinners.
How much liquid is needed for the initial boil?
The initial boil requires 4 cups of water to properly soak the 1 lb of dried black beans.