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Cuban black beans in a white bowl with a tan rim. Spoonful of beans is in focus while beans in bowl are slightly blurred.
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Cuban Black Beans

Simmered to creamy perfection, our Cuban black beans are infused with the irresistible aroma of sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spices. Whether served with rice or as a side to your favorite dish, this recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Soaking Time10 hours
Course: Main Dish, Side
Cuisine: Cuban
Servings: 16 ½ cup
Calories: 113kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried black beans
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced ½” (~1 cup)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced ½” (~1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (~1 ½ teaspoons)
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 6-8 cups water ~2 inches above top of beans
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Additional salt to taste

Instructions

  • Place beans in a colander and rinse under cold water. Pick out any rocks or beans that are broken or shriveled. Transfer beans to a large bowl and cover with water, 2” above the top of the beans. Soak for 8-12 hours.
  • The next day or after soaking, drain and rinse beans.
  • Heat a Dutch oven or 4-quart pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add oil. Once oil is simmering, add onions and bell pepper and sauté until translucent, ~5 minutes. Add the garlic and spices and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
  • Add the beans, salt, sugar (optional), and bay leaf. Add enough water to cover beans by ~2 inches. Bring beans to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and partially cover.
  • Simmer for 45-90 minutes, or until beans are tender. While the beans cook, add more water if needed to ensure the beans remain submerged. Once cooked, add vinegar and any additional salt to taste. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

Many traditional Cuban bean recipes add sugar. It isn't very noticeable, but helps balance all the flavors. Give it a try!
For softer beans, cover completely during simmering. For firmer beans, leave uncovered. Note that the latter leads to more water evaporation, so you will likely have to add more water during cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 147IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg