Best 7 Authentic Cuban Black Beans Recipes

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**Savor the Essence of Cuban Cuisine: A Culinary Journey with Authentic Cuban Black Beans**

Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure with our exploration of authentic Cuban black beans, a cornerstone of Cuban cuisine. These hearty and flavorful beans hold a special place in Cuban hearts, often gracing family tables and celebrations. Join us as we unveil two delectable recipes that capture the essence of this beloved dish.

**Authentic Cuban Black Beans: A Timeless Classic**

Our first recipe takes you on a traditional journey, where black beans are simmered lovingly in a rich broth infused with aromatic spices and savory sofrito. This classic preparation showcases the harmonious blend of garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The result is a comforting and nourishing dish, perfect for a hearty meal.

**Vegetarian Cuban Black Beans: A Plant-Based Delight**

For those seeking a meatless option, our second recipe reimagines the classic Cuban black beans with a plant-based twist. We introduce hearty mushrooms and colorful bell peppers, adding a delightful texture and depth of flavor to the dish. This vegetarian rendition is a testament to the versatility of Cuban black beans, offering a satisfying and protein-packed meal for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Whether you prefer the traditional or vegetarian route, both recipes promise an authentic Cuban experience. They are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, serving as a delectable side dish or a hearty main course. So, gather your ingredients, ignite your culinary passion, and prepare to savor the authentic taste of Cuban black beans.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CUBAN BLACK BEANS



Cuban Black Beans image

This classic recipe is adapted from "Tastes Like Cuba," by Eduardo Machado and Michael Domitrovich. The secret is the homemade sofrito, but bottled will do in a pinch.

Provided by Pete Wells

Categories     one pot

Time 45m

Yield Serves 8 to 10

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/2 green peppers, stemmed and seeded
10 garlic cloves
1 pound dried black beans, rinsed and picked over to remove any stones
1 smoked ham hock
2 bay leaves
5 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1/4 cup olive oil
4 slices thick bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 Spanish onion, diced
1 jalapeño, stemmed and finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon turbinado or other brown sugar

Steps:

  • Cut 1 green pepper into 1-inch squares. Smash and peel 4 of the garlic cloves. Put the green pepper and garlic into a large pot with the beans, ham hock, bay leaves and 1 tablespoon salt. Add 2 quarts water and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and simmer until the beans are tender, an hour or more.
  • Meanwhile, make a sofrito. Cut the remaining ½ green pepper into ¼-inch dice. Peel and finely chop the remaining garlic. Heat the olive oil in a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the green pepper and onion and cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeño (leave out the seeds if you don't want it too spicy), oregano, cumin, black pepper and 2 teaspoons salt and stir for another minute. Pour in the vinegar and scrape any browned bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon. This is your sofrito.
  • When the beans are cooked, discard the bay leaf. Remove and set aside the ham hock and let it cool. Transfer 1 cup of beans to small bowl, mash them into a paste with the back of a fork and return to the pot. Add the sofrito, then the sugar. Pull the meat from the ham hock, leaving behind any white sinew or gristle. Chop the ham into ½-inch pieces and return it to the bean pot.
  • Stir the beans well and bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes or so, skimming any foam from the top. Taste for salt and serve with white rice.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 350, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 33 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 451 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

FRIJOLES NEGROS RECIPE



Frijoles Negros Recipe image

A frijoles negros recipe that is super authentic and all the way delicious! Plus, tips on how to make Cuban black beans in your rice cooker! No more canned beans when cooking dried black beans are this easy.

Provided by Vanessa Bell

Categories     Food Culture

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 Cans Black Beans (or 6 cups of dried black beans using the recipe in post)
1/2 Cup Water
½ White Onion, diced finely
1 Bell Pepper, diced finely
2 Cloves Garlic, minced finely
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
Splash or two of Vino Seco*
½ Teaspoon Salt
½ Teaspoon Sugar
½ Teaspoon Oregano
¼ Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 bay leaf

Steps:

  • In a pot, place your beans and water. Don't drain the beans of their juice. Bring to a boil and let simmer.
  • While simmering, add your pepper, garlic, onion, and olive oil to a pan and sauté for about five minutes or until ingredients are translucent. Chop the ingredients finely or use a grater if you prefer not to have them visible in the beans.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot with the beans including your sautéed mixture.
  • If desired, you can place a bit of the black beans in the sautéed mixture first and mash them up in order for the pepper mixture to mix better with the beans. This helps thicken the consistency.
  • Stir well and allow to simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat.
  • Add a bit more olive oil right before serving.

CUBAN-STYLE BLACK BEANS



Cuban-Style Black Beans image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 5h5m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound dried black beans
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Ten to fifteen 3-inch cilantro stems, tied in a bundle
3 bay leaves
1 onion, diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Soak the beans with the baking soda in 10 cups of water for about 3 hours. Rinse and drain.
  • Add the beans to a Dutch oven and add 10 cups fresh water, along with the olive oil, cumin, oregano, sugar, vinegar, cilantro stems, bay leaves and onion. Simmer until the beans are soft, about 2 hours. Add 2 teaspoons of salt (or more to taste) and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

ABUELO PELáEZ'S FRIJOLES NEGROS (BLACK BEANS)



Abuelo Peláez's Frijoles Negros (Black Beans) image

This delicious recipe comes from Ana Sofia Peláez of Brooklyn, who dug up a handful of faded index cards that her grandparents had left behind, with treasured recipes written in neat script.

Provided by Rachel L. Swarns

Categories     dinner, side dish

Time 2h40m

Yield About 8 cups

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound dried black beans, rinsed thoroughly
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 large white onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 to 5 garlic cloves, crushed
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 large white onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup green olives stuffed with pimentos, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
Cooked white rice for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large pot, soak beans overnight in 10 cups of water.
  • Add 1 tablespoon oil, the onion, bell pepper, garlic cloves and bay leaf to beans, and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and simmer for 1 hour, checking regularly and skimming the foam that forms on top.
  • Meanwhile, make the sofrito. Warm remaining 1/4 cup oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the half onion, 1 bell pepper and 3 garlic cloves and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Add 1 bay leaf, cumin, oregano, black pepper and salt, and cook for 2 minutes more.
  • Add the sofrito to beans. Stir in sherry vinegar, wine and olives, and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened and cooked through. Remove both bay leaves, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and add sugar. Serve as soup or a side dish, or over white rice.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 246, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 33 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 258 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

CUBAN BLACK BEANS I



Cuban Black Beans I image

Serve these flavorful beans over rice, as a sauce for pasta or with a good loaf of bread.

Provided by Dick

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Latin American     Caribbean

Time 13h50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound black beans, washed
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 ½ teaspoons paprika
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 minced hot green chile peppers
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, soak beans in water to cover overnight.
  • Rinse beans, and transfer to a large stock pot. Add onion, bell peppers, bay leaves, paprika, cumin, oregano, and chile peppers, along with water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Test beans for tenderness, and when tender add garlic and balsamic vinegar. Salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 296.3 calories, Carbohydrate 55.5 g, Fat 1.5 g, Fiber 13.4 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 11 mg, Sugar 6 g

CUBAN BLACK BEANS



Cuban Black Beans image

This hearty side dish starts with sofrito, a combination of finely minced onions and green peppers. The tomato puree and sherry give the beans a distinctive flavor.-Nena Linares, Los Angeles, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 2h5m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups dried black beans, rinsed
1 bay leaf
3 medium green peppers, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
1/2 cup sherry or chicken broth
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Rinse and sort beans; soak according to package directions. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. , Place beans in a large saucepan; add 6 cups water and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until tender, 1-1/2 to 2 hours., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute peppers and onions in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the tomato puree, sherry, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 8-10 minutes. Drain beans; discard bay leaf. Stir beans into tomato mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 214mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

ABUELA'S FRIJOLES NEGROS - GRANDMA'S CUBAN BLACK BEANS



Abuela's Frijoles Negros - Grandma's Cuban Black Beans image

Authentic Cuban-style black beans take a great deal of time but are well worth the wait. It is said that adding a teaspoon of baking soda in the last hour of cooking lessens the gastric after-effects of eating beans.

Provided by Chef Chessie

Categories     Black Beans

Time P1DT3h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb black beans
2 large green peppers (cut into several large slices)
10 cups water
2/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion (diced)
1/4 teaspoon oregano
4 garlic cloves (crushed)
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons sugar
4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dry wine

Steps:

  • Wash beans and let them soak in water and half of the green pepper over night at room temperature.
  • Once beans have swollen, simmer on stove until they become soft (about 45 minutes).
  • Heat olive oil in pan and sauté onion, garlic, and the rest of the green pepper.
  • Add 1 cup of the coked beans to pan and mash well.
  • Return entire mixture to pot with beans.
  • Add salt, pepper, oregano, bay leaf, and sugar.
  • Cover and return to boil.
  • Simmer for 1 hour longer.
  • Add vinegar and dry wine, cover and simmer for one hour longer.
  • If beans are still too wet after this time, cook uncovered until they thicken.
  • Remove bay leaf and top with olive oil prior to serving.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish. Look for dried black beans that are plump and free of wrinkles. Use fresh garlic and onions, and a good quality olive oil.
  • Soak the beans overnight. This will help them to cook more quickly and evenly. You can also quick-soak the beans by bringing them to a boil in a large pot of water, then removing them from the heat and letting them soak for 1 hour.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the beans from scorching.
  • Add plenty of flavorings. Cuban black beans are typically flavored with garlic, onions, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. You can also add other spices, such as chili powder or paprika, to taste.
  • Cook the beans until they are tender but still hold their shape. This will take about 1-2 hours, depending on the type of beans you are using.
  • Serve the beans with rice, or use them as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Conclusion:

Cuban black beans are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, and they are also relatively inexpensive to make. If you are looking for a new and flavorful way to enjoy beans, give Cuban black beans a try. You won't be disappointed!

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