Description
Cuban Black Beans is a vibrant and hearty dish featuring smoky and savory flavors, enhanced by a blend of traditional herbs and spices. This recipe is easy to prepare, nutritious, and adaptable to various diets, making it perfect for everyday meals or special occasions. Enjoy a plant-friendly version with natural ingredients, delivering a perfect balance of warmth, depth, and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Beans and Broth
- 2 cups dried black beans (or 3 cans black beans, drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp natural apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Smoked Turkey and Spices
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 4 oz smoked turkey slices, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano (natural)
Thickening and Garnish
- 1 to 2 tsp natural gelling agent
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Beans: If using dried black beans, soak them overnight in plenty of water and rinse well before cooking to ensure a tender, creamy finish. For canned beans, drain and rinse thoroughly to reduce sodium and achieve a fresher taste.
- Sauté the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced smoked turkey bacon until it releases its smoky aroma. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook and stir until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Bring in the Spices and Liquids: Stir in the ground cumin, dried oregano, and bay leaves to lightly toast the spices. Add the black beans along with vegetable broth or water, natural apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Slow Cook and Thicken: Cook uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender. Near the end of cooking, gradually add the natural gelling agent to thicken the broth to your preferred consistency.
- Final Touches: Stir in the chopped smoked turkey slices for extra depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use quality smoked turkey bacon for the best smoky flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Slow simmering is key to develop a deep, balanced flavor and tender beans.
- Add apple cider vinegar near the end of cooking to brighten the flavors without breaking down the beans.
- Taste and adjust seasoning regularly to achieve perfect balance.
- Adjust the natural gelling agent amount to reach your desired texture from soupy to stew-like.
- For a spicy variation, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To keep the dish plant-based, omit smoked turkey bacon and add smoked paprika instead.
- Prep Time: 8 hours (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: Cuban black beans, smoky beans, vegetarian black beans, plant-based Cuban recipe, easy black beans, traditional Cuban dish
