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.

Soak the black beans overnight in water.

Drain the soaked beans and place them in a pot with about 6 cups of water.

Add half of the green pepper to the pot with the beans and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot, letting it simmer for 60 minutes.

Stir the beans frequently and add reserved water if the liquid level gets low.

After 60 minutes, add a little more than 1 cup of water to the beans.

In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

Add the chopped onion and the remaining half of the green pepper to the skillet.

Add 3 cloves of garlic to the skillet and sauté the vegetables until they are translucent and soft, about 5-6 minutes.

Turn off the heat and add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the beans.

Stir the mixture and add another cup of water, then cover and let it simmer for another hour.

After an hour, check the beans for softness and add the seasonings: oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, sugar, and white distilled vinegar.

Stir the beans well and cover, letting them simmer for another 30 minutes to thicken the gravy.

Taste the beans to ensure they are soft and flavorful.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary