Cuban-style Black Beans 🫘 Hearty, Vegan & Gluten-Free

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.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan.

Add 1/2 onion (sliced), 1 hot pepper (jalapeno or serrano), 2 cloves garlic (minced), and 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves to the pan.

Saute for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add 2 bay leaves and the spices to the pan.

Add 1 extra large can of organic black beans to the pot.

Toss in 1 vegan bouillon cube and 1/2 cup water.

Turn the heat down to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the bay leaves from the pot.

Add the juice of 1/2 lemon and 1-2 tablespoons of cilantro (or parsley) to the beans.

Mash some of the beans on the edge of the pot to make them creamy, then mix everything together.

Turn off the heat and serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary