How to make Cuban Style Black Beans

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Lentils are lower in calories and pinto beans are more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has healthy fats while canola is often cheaper.

red wine vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar offers similar acidity with potential health benefits.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: spinach

Parsley provides a fresh flavor while spinach is more affordable.

Welcome to Cherry Hill home cooking. Today we're making Cuban style black beans.

Using 2 cans of black beans (14-15.5 oz each), drain and rinse them, but keep the liquid.

Heat a little olive oil in a pot to sauté the vegetables.

Chop 1/2 a white onion and 1 small green bell pepper (or red) into small dice.

Add the chopped onion and green pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.

Add 3 minced cloves of garlic to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the black beans with their liquid into the pot.

Add additional water to the pot, about half a cup, to achieve desired consistency.

Stir in seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, slightly less than 1/2 teaspoon salt, dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, and cumin.

Add a dash of red wine vinegar and a tiny bit of light brown sugar.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and loosely cover the pot.

Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water if it thickens too much.

After 20 minutes, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, and remove bay leaves before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary