Craving a hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal that transports you straight to the sunny streets of Cuba? Look no further! This Cuban Black Bean Soup recipe, inspired by the culinary magic of the iconic Columbia Restaurant, is your ticket to a delicious and authentic taste of the island. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas – a true winner for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels.
This isn't just any black bean soup; it's a symphony of smoky spices, tender beans, and vibrant citrus notes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish, a true testament to the best recipes from around the world.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build the Flavor Base: Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, black beans, bay leaf, and sugar to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! This is where the magic of homemade cooking truly shines.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency. Leaving some beans whole adds great texture.
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Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cuban Black Bean Soup:
- Don't skip the simmering: Low and slow cooking is key to developing the deep, complex flavors of this soup.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.
- Add some acidity: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Make it a meal: Serve with crusty bread for dipping or a side of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations:
- Spicy Cuban Black Bean Soup: Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables for extra heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Cuban Black Bean Soup: Ensure your broth is vegetable-based and omit any dairy garnishes.
- Hearty Cuban Black Bean Soup: Add cooked chorizo or diced ham for a protein boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This Cuban Black Bean Soup recipe is a delicious and healthy meal option, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of Cuba in the comfort of your own home! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Try it today and experience the difference of homemade cooking!