Cuban Black Bean Soup Recipe ๐ฒ
Overview:
Preparation Time: 24 hours
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Introduction:
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, with this authentic Cuban Black Bean Soup recipe! Inspired by the culinary delights of La Zaragozana Restaurant, this hearty soup promises a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your senses. Infused with the warmth of Caribbean spices and the wholesome goodness of black beans, this dish is not only a culinary masterpiece but also a nutritional powerhouse. Ideal for weeknights or whenever you crave a taste of the tropics, this vegan, low-cholesterol recipe is a must-try for all food enthusiasts!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black beans
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 onion
- 1/2 green pepper
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 cup white rice
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Soak the Beans: Begin by soaking the black beans in water overnight. This helps soften them and reduces cooking time. |
| 2 | Boil the Beans: The next day, drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add 2 cups of fresh water and salt. Boil the beans until they are soft and tender. This may take about 1-2 hours depending on the beans’ freshness and variety. |
| 3 | Prepare the Spice Mix: While the beans are cooking, prepare the spice mix. Crush the garlic cloves and combine them with cumin, oregano, and white vinegar. Set aside for later use. |
| 4 | Saute Onions and Peppers: Chop the onion and green pepper into very small pieces. In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and peppers, sautรฉing until they turn golden brown and caramelized. |
| 5 | Add Garlic and Spice Mix: Once the onions are translucent and fragrant, add the crushed garlic and the prepared spice mix to the skillet. Cook slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse the oil. |
| 6 | Combine with Beans: Drain about half of the water from the cooked beans and add the cooked onion and spice mixture to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Continue cooking the soup over low heat, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify. |
| 7 | Garnish with Rice: Meanwhile, prepare the garnish by marinating the white rice in finely chopped raw onion, olive oil, and vinegar. This adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the soup. |
| 8 | Serve and Enjoy: Once the soup reaches your desired consistency and flavors have melded beautifully, ladle it into bowls. Garnish each serving with a spoonful of the marinated rice mixture. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a dollop of sour cream, which complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 453.2
- Fat: 24.4g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2339mg
- Carbohydrates: 49.9g
- Fiber: 8.8g
- Sugar: 2.6g
- Protein: 9.7g
Tips and Variations:
- For a twist on tradition, try adding diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the soup for added freshness and color.
- Experiment with different types of beans, such as red beans or kidney beans, to create your own unique variation of this classic dish.
- To make the soup even heartier, add diced potatoes or carrots during the cooking process.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the soup before serving.
Indulge in the exotic flavors of the Caribbean with this soul-warming Cuban Black Bean Soup. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a centerpiece for a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary creativity, and embark on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of Cuba! ๐ด๐จ๐บ
