cuban black beans recipe.

 

🇨🇺 Cuban Black Beans Recipe (Frijoles Negros Cubanos)

A rich, creamy, and flavorful Cuban Black Beans recipe made with onions, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, and olive oil. These beans are comforting, authentic, and perfect with Cuban rice, chicken, or sandwiches.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Beans:

• 2 cups dried black beans (or 3 cans cooked black beans)
• 6 cups water (if using dried beans)
• 1 bay leaf

For the Sofrito:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, traditional)

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🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Black Beans

If using dried beans:

• Rinse beans and soak overnight (optional but faster cooking).
• Add beans, water, and bay leaf to a pot.
• Cook 1–1.5 hours until soft.

If using canned beans:

• Drain one can and keep the liquid from the others.
• Skip to step 2.

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2. Make the Sofrito

In a large pan:

• Heat olive oil.
• Add onions and bell peppers; cook until soft.
• Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
• Stir in cumin, oregano, and pepper.

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3. Combine & Simmer

• Add sofrito into the beans.
• Add salt, sugar (optional), and vinegar.
• Simmer on low for 20–30 minutes until creamy and flavorful.

Tip: Mash a few beans with a spoon to thicken the sauce.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Serve Cuban Black Beans with:

• White rice (Arroz Blanco)
• Cuban Mojo Chicken
• Cuban Sandwich
• Fried plantains (Tostones or Maduros)
• Grilled veggies
• Bowl meals with avocado

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❄ Storage Tips

• Refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Freeze in airtight containers up to 3 months.
• Add a little water when reheating if too thick.

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❓ FAQs

1. Are Cuban black beans spicy?

No. They are savory and rich but not spicy.

2. Can I make this in a pressure cooker?

Yes—cook soaked beans for 25 minutes on high pressure.

3. Can I skip soaking the beans?

You can, but cooking time increases.

4. Why add sugar?

A small amount balances the savory flavors—this is traditional.

5. Can I use canned black beans?

Absolutely. It makes preparation much faster.

📌 Similar Recipes :

1. Cuban Mojo Chicken Recipe
2. Cuban Sandwich Recipe
3. Peruvian Chicken Recipe
4. Bandeja Paisa Recipe
5. Sancocho Recipe
6. Latin Rice and Beans Recipes