Cuban Black Bean Soup

Ingredients

• For the Beans:
• 2 cups dried black beans (or 3 cans of cooked black beans, drained and rinsed) 🫘
• 6 cups water 💧
• 1 bay leaf 🍃
• 0.5 green bell pepper, cut into large chunks 🫑
• For the Sofrito:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 🫒
• 1 small onion, finely diced 🧅
• 0.5 green bell pepper, finely diced 🫑
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 🌿
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌱
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper 🧂
• For the Soup:
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar 🍶
• 1 teaspoon sugar 🍬
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 🧂
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper 🧂
• 2 tablespoons dry cooking wine (optional) 🍷
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for finishing) 🫒
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) 🌶️
• For Garnish & Accompaniments:
• Chopped fresh cilantro 🌿
• Diced red onion 🧅
• Sliced avocado 🥑
• White rice (for serving) 🍚
• Lime wedges 🍋

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Beans (If Using Dried Beans) 🫘🔥
2. 21️⃣ Rinse the black beans and soak them overnight in water to soften.
3. 32️⃣ Drain and add them to a large pot with 6 cups of fresh water, the bay leaf 🍃, and the large chunks of bell pepper 🫑.
4. 43️⃣ Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1½ to 2 hours, or until tender.
5. 5Using canned beans? Skip this step. Just drain, rinse, and set aside.
6. 62️⃣ Make the Sofrito 🧄🫑
7. 71️⃣ Heat olive oil 🫒 in a skillet over medium heat.
8. 82️⃣ Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant.
9. 93️⃣ Stir in the cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
10. 103️⃣ Combine & Simmer the Soup 🥣
11. 111️⃣ Remove the bay leaf 🍃 and bell pepper chunks 🫑 from the pot of beans.
12. 122️⃣ Stir in the sofrito, mixing well.
13. 133️⃣ Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cooking wine 🍷 (if using). Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14. 144️⃣ For a creamier texture, blend 1 cup of beans with some broth, then return to the pot.
15. 155️⃣ Finish with a drizzle of olive oil 🫒 and adjust seasoning to taste.
16. 164️⃣ Serve & Enjoy 🍽️
17. 171️⃣ Ladle the soup into bowls 🥣. Garnish with cilantro, diced red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
18. 182️⃣ Serve with a side of white rice, avocado slices, and optional tostones 🍌 or Cuban bread 🥖 for dipping.
19. 19Don Luis’s Pro Tip:
20. 20Black bean soup tastes even better the next day. Let the flavors meld overnight for a richer, deeper taste!”
21. 21For a smoky kick, add a touch of chipotle powder to the sofrito.
22. 22Balance the flavors by adjusting the vinegar and sugar based on your taste preference.