Vibrant Cuban Black Beans with Smoky Bacon
This Cuban-inspired black beans recipe brings together the rich flavors of cooked black beans and smoky bacon, enhanced by an array of colorful vegetables. Inspired by traditional Cuban dishes, this version elevates the look and taste of the classic recipe, making it a perfect side or main dish. The combination of sweet and spicy peppers, aromatic garlic, and fresh cilantro creates a delightful harmony of flavors in every bite. Whether served alongside fluffy rice or as a hearty filling in tacos, these beans are sure to impress. Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, this dish balances comfort and elegance on your table. You can use canned beans for convenience, but if you're up for it, cooking your own beans in a pressure cooker will enhance the dish even further.
4
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked black beans
2 cups (cooked)
red onion
1 large (diced)
red jalapeño chile
1 (diced)
green jalapeño
1 (diced)
yellow bell pepper
1/2 (diced)
carrots
2 (diced)
garlic cloves
7 (minced)
cilantro
1/2 bunch (chopped)
black pepper
to taste
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
kosher salt
to taste
lemon or lime juice
1 (juice only)
sugar
3 tablespoons
Moroccan seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
cooked bacon
1/4 lb (chopped)
bacon drippings
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan, heat the bacon drippings over medium heat.
2
Add the diced red onion, red jalapeño, green jalapeño, yellow bell pepper, and carrots to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the cooked black beans along with balsamic vinegar, sugar, Moroccan seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
4
Add the chopped cooked bacon and the juice of the lemon or lime. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5
Fold in the minced garlic and chopped cilantro last, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
6
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.
7
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
8
Serve immediately alongside rice or as a filling for tacos.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe called?
The recipe is for Vibrant Cuban Black Beans with Smoky Bacon.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 25 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of fat is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings for sautéing.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The vegetables include red onion, red jalapeño, green jalapeño, yellow bell pepper, and carrots.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 7 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use canned beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans for convenience or cook your own in a pressure cooker.
When should the garlic and cilantro be added?
Fold in the minced garlic and chopped cilantro at the very end after the bacon and citrus juice.
What type of vinegar is used?
2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are used in this recipe.
Is there sugar in these beans?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 tablespoons of sugar.
What kind of citrus juice is recommended?
The recipe calls for the juice of one lemon or lime.
How much Moroccan seasoning is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of Moroccan seasoning.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened.
How much bacon is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 lb of chopped cooked bacon.
What are some ways to serve this dish?
It can be served immediately alongside rice or as a hearty filling for tacos.
What temperature should I use for sautéing?
Use medium heat for sautéing the vegetables in the large sauté pan.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners.
What is the source of the smokiness in the dish?
The smokiness comes from both the cooked bacon and the bacon drippings.
Does this recipe include carrots?
Yes, it includes 2 diced carrots added during the sautéing process.
What type of jalapeños are used?
The recipe uses 1 red jalapeño chile and 1 green jalapeño, both diced.
What color bell pepper is needed?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 of a yellow bell pepper, diced.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
When do I add the balsamic vinegar and sugar?
Stir them in along with the cooked black beans and the Moroccan seasoning.
How long is the final cook time after mixing everything?
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the entire mixture is heated through.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is designed to be a perfect side or a hearty main dish.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is used to taste.
What is the preparation for the red onion?
One large red onion should be diced before sautéing.