Cuban Black Beans

Cuban Black Beans are a hearty and flavorful dish, enriched with spices and herbs, perfect for a healthy meal. This recipe captures the essence of Cuban cuisine while providing a nutritious option for any dinner table.

Ingredients

• Black beans - 1 cup (dry)
• Water - 4 cups
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Green bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Bay leaf - 1
• Red wine vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh cilantro - 1/4 cup, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the black beans under cold water, then soak them in 4 cups of water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans, then place them in a pot with 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes or until the beans are tender.
3. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Once the beans are tender, drain them (reserving some cooking liquid) and add them to the skillet with the onion mixture.
6. Stir in the red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture is too thick, add a little reserved cooking liquid until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• High in protein, making it a great plant-based meal option.

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