Cuban Black Beans

Dive into the heart of Cuban cuisine with this authentic Cuban Black Beans recipe, a soulful and savory dish brimming with bold flavors. Made with tender dried black beans simmered to perfection and infused with the smoky richness of crisp bacon, aromatic garlic, and sweet green bell peppers, this dish is a true comfort food classic. A touch of cumin, a splash of white vinegar, and a hint of sugar strike the perfect balance of earthy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether served as a hearty side for rice or the star of a Cuban-inspired meal, these beans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready in just a few simple steps, this traditional recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or meal-prepping flavorful, protein-packed dishes. Don’t forget the garnish of fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:165 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Dried black beans
• 8 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 strips Bacon, chopped
• 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium Green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 4 large Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons White vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried black beans thoroughly under cold water and inspect them for any small stones or debris.

Step 2

Place the beans in a large bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Step 3

Drain the soaked beans and rinse them again. Place them in a large pot with 8 cups of water over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Bring the beans to a boil, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the beans until tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 5

While the beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until it's crisp, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until onions are translucent and peppers are softened.

Step 7

Stir in the cumin powder and bay leaf, cooking for an additional 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom.

Step 8

Once the beans are tender, add the bacon-onion mixture to the pot of beans, stirring well to combine.

Step 9

Season the beans with salt, black pepper, white vinegar, and sugar. Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11

Serve the Cuban black beans hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. These beans are perfect alongside rice or as a dish component in Cuban meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2796.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1320.0

Total Fat 56.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 66mg	0%
Sodium 4518.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.9g
Protein 66.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 354.4mg	0%
Iron 12.7mg	0%
Potassium 2533.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.1%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 42.0%