Cuban Style Black Beans

Bring the vibrant flavors of Cuba to your kitchen with this hearty and satisfying Cuban-Style Black Beans recipe. Made with tender dried black beans simmered to perfection and infused with a fragrant blend of sautéed onions, green bell peppers, garlic, cumin, and oregano, this dish is a celebration of bold, earthy flavors. A splash of white vinegar and a touch of sugar balance the dish beautifully, while a slow simmer creates a creamy, thick consistency that’s perfect for serving over rice or alongside your favorite Cuban dishes. With just a handful of pantry staples and optional fresh cilantro garnish, this easy-to-follow recipe is a versatile and comforting addition to any meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or as part of a festive Caribbean feast, these black beans are a testament to the heart of Cuban cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black beans
• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish) cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried black beans thoroughly in cold water and remove any debris.

Step 2

In a large pot, add the black beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during cooking.

Step 3

While the beans are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Once the beans are tender, add the sautéed onion and pepper mixture to the pot with the beans. Stir in the bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Simmer the mixture over low heat for another 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are creamy and the liquid has thickened.

Step 8

Stir in the white vinegar and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Step 10

Serve the Cuban-style black beans hot with rice, as a standalone dish, or as a side to your favorite Cuban meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2248.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	981.2

Total Fat 31.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4655.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 136.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.5g	0%
Total Sugars 14.7g
Protein 44.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 316.6mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 2239.3mg	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: 28.2%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 54.2%