Description
Quick Cuban Black Beans is a protein-packed, flavorful side dish combining tender black beans with aromatic green bell pepper, garlic, and yellow onion, all simmered with bay leaves, oregano, and a splash of white vinegar for a classic Cuban twist. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy stovetop recipe is perfect for adding a nutritious and vibrant touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and roughly chopped
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 6 cloves garlic
Other Ingredients
- 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 cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, creating a flavorful vegetable base.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetable mixture and cook, stirring frequently, 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 kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the beans: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through.
- Finish and season: Stir in the white vinegar to add brightness to the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Remove and discard the bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a traditional Cuban black beans side dish in less than 30 minutes.
- Using canned black beans speeds up the cooking while still delivering rich flavor and good texture.
- The white vinegar adds a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile typical of Cuban cuisine.
- Enjoy served alongside rice, grilled meats, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
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
