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Made with chopped red onions, bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, these Cuban black beans are simmered in a blend of flavorful spices and red wine vinegar to create a mouthwatering experience that’ll leave you wanting two more bites. Don’t miss out on this delicious side dish that goes perfectly with any meal and adds a touch of Latin flair to your table!
There are also some Latin-inspired side dishes to add to your dinner lineup: Charro Beans, Mexican Corn Salad, and Cilantro Lime Rice!
Cuban Black Beans Recipe
Cuban black beans are simply delicious! They have a warm, comforting flavor that you’re sure to love. These beans are full-bodied, with a hint of smokiness and a tangy taste of red wine vinegar. Chopped onions, green peppers and garlic add a lovely aroma that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
You can enjoy Cuban black beans in a number of ways. They’re great with grilled meats or grilled vegetables. You can also use them as taco or burrito fillings for a delicious addition to your favorite dishes! No matter how you serve them, they’re sure to be a hit for their hearty, fresh, and full-bodied flavour.
Required raw materials
One of my favorite things about Cuban black beans is how simple the ingredients are. Really, all you need are some black beans, a handful of veggies, and spices from your spice rack! For exact measurements, check out the recipe card below.
- olive oil: Olive oil makes beans smooth and rich, and helps sauté onions, peppers, and garlic.
- Shallot: Chopped red onions give Cuban black beans a sweet and slightly spicy flavor that forms a savory base.
- Red and green bell peppers: Adds texture, flavor and a pop of color to dishes.
- garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives this dish the perfect savory flavor.
- black beans: Two 15-ounce cans of black beans (including liquid) make up the centerpiece of this dish.
- bay leaf: Bay leaf adds subtle aroma to coffee beans.
- coriander: Chopped parsley adds fresh and citrus flavors, bringing brightness to dishes. If you don’t like cilantro, feel free to omit it or swap it out for another herb, like parsley or oregano.
- Cumin: Cumin adds warm and earthy undertones, and smoky depth.
- red wine vinegar: Increases richness and brightness, balances richness of coffee beans.
- salt and pepper: Season the beans with a teaspoon of salt (adjustable to taste) and half a teaspoon of pepper (adjustable to taste) to ensure a balanced and delicious taste.
Let’s make Cuban black beans!
Cuban Black Beans are the perfect Latin side dish and so easy to make! This hearty side dish only takes 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
- To wash vegetables: Prepare red onions, green peppers and garlic, wash and chop finely.
- saute: Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add oil, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper. Saute for about 5-8 minutes, until softened.
- Add garlic: Add the garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
- Combining ingredients: Add black beans, bay leaves, coriander, cumin, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
- simmer: Once the beans start to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 15 minutes.
- Serve: Uncover and stir your beans. Add any extra salt or pepper for garnish!
Tips and Variations
Customize the seasoning, add your favorite veggies, and enjoy a bowl of flavor you won’t want to leave. Who said beans had to be boring? Give these Cuban black beans a try and let your creativity shine!
- Use dried beans: If you’re using dried black beans, soak them overnight and cook until soft before you get down to business. It will bring better texture and flavor to your dish.
- seasoning: Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as you go. Add more salt, pepper, cumin, or any other spices you like to make these beans taste just how you like them.
- more vegetables: While the recipe calls for red and green bell peppers, you can mix them! Throw in some chopped carrots, celery, or even corn for extra flavor and color.
- more spices: Want some steam? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give your beans a spiciness.
- Adjust Consistency: Want a creamy texture? Mash a small portion of the beans with a fork, or mix in a cup of cooked beans to thicken the sauce. It will be velvety smooth and delicious.
store leftovers and freeze
If you have leftover Cuban black beans, keep them! They’re great for storing and enjoying as a quick and easy side dish.
- in the refrigerator: Store in an airtight bag or container for up to 4 days.
- in the refrigerator: Store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheat: Reheat beans on the stove over medium heat until warm, stirring frequently.
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Prepare red onions, green peppers and garlic, wash and chop finely.
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Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add oil, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper. Saute for about 5-8 minutes, until softened.
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Add the garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
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Add black beans, bay leaves, coriander, cumin, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
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Once the beans start to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for about 15 minutes.
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Uncover and stir your beans. Add any extra salt or pepper for garnish!
supply: 8
calories41kcal (2%)carbohydrate2G (1%)protein0.4G (1%)fat4G (6%)Saturated fat1G (5%)polyunsaturated fat0.4Gmonounsaturated fat3Gsodium293mg (12%)Potassium59mg (2%)fiber1G (4%)sugar1G (1%)Vitamin A519IU (10%)Vitamin C20mg (twenty four%)calcium10mg (1%)iron0.5mg (3%)
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is an estimate only. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brand you use, your measurements, and the serving sizes for each family.