Caribbean-Style Black Bean Soup Recipe
Overview:
This Caribbean-Style Black Bean Soup recipe, adapted from the “Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook” for slow-cookers, promises a delightful blend of flavors with a hint of Caribbean zest. It’s a hearty dish loved by families, perfect for cozy dinners accompanied by freshly baked cornbread.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 hours on Low, or 4-5 hours on High
- Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
- Serves: Makes about 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight
- 3 onions, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ham hock (optional for additional flavor)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 3 cups water, plus more as needed
- 2 tbsp vinegar (add at the end for a tangy kick)
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beans:
- Rinse the dried black beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in 4 quarts of water. Drain before cooking.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In your slow cooker, combine the soaked black beans, chopped onions, green pepper, minced garlic, diced ham, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and 3 cups of fresh water. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
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Cooking Process:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on Low for 8-10 hours, or on High for 4-5 hours. The longer, slower cooking time enhances the flavors and ensures the beans are tender.
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Adjust Soup Thickness:
- For a thicker consistency, remove about half of the cooked bean mixture from the slow cooker and puree it until smooth using a blender or mash it with a potato masher. Return the puree to the slow cooker and stir well.
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Add Vinegar:
- Once the soup is cooked and you’ve adjusted the thickness to your liking, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Stir well to incorporate. The vinegar adds a distinctive tanginess that complements the richness of the soup.
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Final Touches:
- If you used a ham hock, remove it from the soup, debone it, and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the ham pieces to the soup for added flavor and texture.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the Caribbean-Style Black Bean Soup into soup bowls. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. Serve hot with freshly baked cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 237 kcal
- Total Fat: 2.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 880.1 mg
- Carbohydrates: 41.6 g
- Fiber: 9.8 g
- Sugars: 3.5 g
- Protein: 13.1 g
This Caribbean-Style Black Bean Soup recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also provides a nutritious and flavorful dining experience. It’s a perfect choice for slow-cooker enthusiasts looking to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean at home, and its versatility allows for personal adjustments to suit individual preferences.
