Description
This Cuban-Style Black Bean recipe offers a delicious, hearty, and flavorful dish featuring tender black beans simmered with aromatic spices, onions, garlic, and a touch of heat from green chiles. Perfect as a side or main dish, these beans bring authentic Cuban flavors to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon cooking oil (avocado oil recommended)
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans (rinse and drain one can, keep the other undrained)
- 4 oz can mild green chiles (or substitute 1 finely chopped jalapeno, seeds and ribs removed)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or substitute vegetable broth)
- 1-2 Tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Add the cooking oil to a medium-sized pot over medium heat and allow it to shimmer.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped red onion to the pot, stirring frequently until the onions soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook constantly until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
- Season: Sprinkle ground cumin, table salt, and chili powder over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring briefly to combine all flavors.
- Add beans and chiles: Pour in both cans of black beans (one rinsed and drained, one undrained) along with the mild green chiles or jalapeno substitute. Stir well to blend.
- Add broth and simmer: Slowly drizzle in the chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, allowing it to thicken and concentrate the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and add additional salt if needed. Optionally, stir in fresh-squeezed lime juice before serving. Serve warm as a side or main dish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by using jalapenos instead of mild green chiles or by adding more chili powder.
- Do not rinse both cans of beans; one should remain undrained to enhance the texture and flavor.
- Fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy finish that enhances the taste.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with rice, grilled meats, or as a filling for tacos and burritos.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban