Description
Quick Cuban Black Beans is a flavorful and protein-packed side dish featuring black beans simmered with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a splash of vinegar for a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes. This easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and roughly chopped
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 6 cloves garlic
Pantry and Seasonings
- 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 (15-oz.) cans black beans, undrained
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground oregano
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a food processor, combine the green bell pepper, yellow onion, and garlic. Pulse the mixture until the vegetables are finely chopped, ensuring an even texture for the base of the beans.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained black beans, bay leaves, ground oregano, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cooking uncovered for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Finish and Season: Stir in the white vinegar for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- You’re less than 30 minutes away from a delicious, protein-packed side dish that pairs well with many Cuban and Latin meals.
- The ground oregano and bay leaves add a classic Cuban flavor that makes this simple dish aromatic and unique.
- Using canned black beans with their liquid saves time and adds body to the sauce.
- Adjust the vinegar to your taste for added tanginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 249 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 818 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 16 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
