Cuban Black Beans

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Lentils are lower in calories, while pinto beans are often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while canola oil is more budget-friendly.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Lemon juice adds brightness, while apple cider vinegar is often less costly.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: green onions

Parsley offers a similar flavor profile, and green onions are generally less expensive.

Soak black beans in about 4 cups of water overnight.

Rinse the beans and drain the soaking water.

In a pot, add the beans and 8 cups of water, along with the bay leaf and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover, cooking for about 45 minutes.

In the meantime, prepare the sofrito by sautéing chopped onion and green pepper in olive oil until translucent.

Mash garlic with salt and add it to the sofrito, cooking together.

After 45 minutes of cooking the beans, add the sofrito mixture, cumin, oregano, sugar, vinegar, and white wine to the beans.

Let the beans simmer covered for another 15 minutes until thickened.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: