Savory Cuban Black Beans: Authentic Caribbean Recipe

Recipe: Cuban Black Beans 🇨🇺

Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Depends on usage (as main or side dish)
Calories: 283.4 per serving
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cuisine: Caribbean
Category: Black Beans

Description:

Indulge in the flavors of Cuba with this hearty and flavorful Cuban Black Beans recipe. Perfectly seasoned and incredibly satisfying, these beans are not only a staple in Cuban cuisine but also a delightful addition to any meal. Whether served over rice or as a side dish to your favorite main course like Vaca Frita, these beans are sure to impress. Embrace the rich aroma and taste of the Caribbean with every spoonful of this savory dish.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups dried black beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 diced pimentos
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• Black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the Beans:

   • Begin by preparing the black beans. Either soak the picked-through beans overnight, or for a quick soak, boil them for 10 minutes. Then, change the water and let the beans sit for another hour to reconstitute.

2. Drain Again:

   • Once the beans have soaked, drain them again thoroughly to remove any excess water.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

   • In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and aromatic, releasing their flavors into the oil.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Into the sautéed vegetables, gently stir in the soaked black beans, water, tomato paste, diced pimentos, cider vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Allow the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory base for the beans.

5. Simmer:

   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let the beans simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

6. Season to Taste:

   • Once the beans are tender, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt to taste, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once fully cooked and seasoned to