Cuban Black Beans | The Recipe Critic

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Made with minced red onion, bell peppers, and aromatic garlic, these Cuban black beans simmered in a blend of tasty spices and red wine vinegar create a mouthwatering experience that will have you craving seconds. Don’t miss out on this savory side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal, adding a touch of Latin flair to your dinner table!

A few more Latin-inspired side dishes to add to your dinner lineup: charro beans, Mexican corn salad, and cilantro lime rice!

Cuban Black Beans Recipe

Cuban black beans are simply delightful! They have a warm and comforting taste that you’ll love. These beans are full of flavor, with a hint of smokiness and a touch of tanginess from the red wine vinegar. The minced onion, bell peppers, and garlic add a lovely aroma that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

You can enjoy Cuban black beans in so many ways. They’re perfect for accompanying grilled meats or roasted vegetables. You can also use them as a filling for tacos or burritos, adding a delicious twist to your favorite dishes! Regardless of how you serve them, they are sure to be a hit with their hearty, fresh, and tangy flavor.

Ingredients Needed

One of the things I love most about Cuban black beans is how simple the ingredients are. Really, you only need some black beans, a handful of veggies, and spices from your spice rack! For exact measurements, check out the recipe card below.

1. Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a smooth richness to the beans and help sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic.
2. Red Onion: Minced red onion brings a sweet and slightly pungent flavor to the Cuban black beans, forming a savory base.
3. Red and Green Bell Peppers: Add texture, flavor, and a pop of color to the dish.
4. Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives this dish the perfect savory flavor.
5. Black Beans: Two 15-ounce cans of black beans, including the liquid, form the heart of the dish.
6. Bay Leaf: The bay leaf adds a subtle, aromatic touch to the beans.
7. Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh and citrusy flavor, bringing brightness to the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to omit it or swap it out for another herb like parsley or oregano.
8. Cumin: Cumin adds warm and earthy undertones, and a smoky depth of flavor.
9. Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess and brightness to balance the richness of the beans.
10. Salt and Pepper: A teaspoon of salt (adjustable to taste) and half a teaspoon of pepper (also adjustable to taste) season the beans, ensuring a well-balanced and delicious flavor.

Let’s Make Cuban Black Beans!

Cuban black beans are the perfect Latin side dish, and so easy to make! It only takes 30 minutes to prepare this hearty side dish from start to finish.

1. Wash Vegetables: Prepare your red onion, bell peppers and garlic by washing and mincing them.
2. Sauté: Heat a medium saucepan over medium high heat and add your oil, minced onion and minced bell peppers. Saute for about 5-8 minutes, until they have become tender.
3. Add Garlic: Add in your garlic and then saute for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: To your saucepan, add your black beans, bay leaf, cilantro, cumin, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper and bring it to boil over high heat.
5. Simmer: Once your beans start to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and then simmer for about 15 minutes.
6. Serve: Uncover and stir your beans. Add any additional salt or pepper and serve as a side!