Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup Recipe

Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup, or Sopa de Garbanzo, is a comforting, hearty dish that brings the warmth of Cuban home cooking straight to your kitchen. With its origins rooted in the blend of Spanish and African culinary traditions, this soup offers a rich combination of flavors, textures, and nutrition. Its simplicity in ingredients belies the depth of taste, making it a popular choice in Cuban households, especially during cooler months or as a light yet filling meal.

This dish has been passed down for generations, reflecting the cultural fusion that defines Cuban cuisine. It’s both versatile and satisfying, perfect for family gatherings, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests with something a bit different from the usual soup repertoire. Whether you’re cooking up a big batch for a group or just for yourself, Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup is sure to make a lasting impression.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step, discuss the ingredients, offer helpful tips from the pros, and explore ways to make the recipe your own.

Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup is a balanced dish that combines the earthiness of garbanzo beans with savory aromatics like onions, garlic, and bell peppers, enhanced by the subtle richness of smoked ham or pork. A touch of cumin, bay leaves, and oregano infuses the soup with the signature Cuban flavor profile. This comforting soup is typically served with white rice or crusty bread on the side, making it a well-rounded meal in itself.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients Needed

Before diving into the kitchen, it’s important to gather the right ingredients. The beauty of Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup is that many of the components are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

For The Soup Base

1 lb dried garbanzo beans (or 2 cans of cooked garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed)
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (for depth of flavor)
1 medium onion, finely chopped (adds sweetness and depth)
1 bell pepper, chopped (traditionally green, but you can use red or yellow for sweetness)
4 cloves garlic, minced (essential for that bold flavor)
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (adds brightness and acidity)
1/2 lb smoked ham (or pork, chopped into small cubes, adds a smoky richness)
1 bay leaf (for aromatic depth)
1 tsp cumin (the signature spice that gives the soup its warmth)
1 tsp oregano (adds an earthy, herby note)
1/2 tsp paprika (adds a bit of smokiness and color)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
1-2 tbsp white vinegar (to balance out the richness of the beans)

For Garnishing

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for freshness and a bit of herbaceous flavor)
Lime wedges (optional, to add some tangy brightness)

Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to bring everything together and cook up some Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup. Don’t be intimidated by the long list of ingredients-once you start, it’s mostly about layering flavors and letting everything simmer together to create that signature depth of taste.

Step 1: Prepare The Beans

If you’re using dried garbanzo beans, place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you don’t have the time, you can use the quick-soak method: bring the beans to a boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit, covered, for 1 hour before draining and rinsing.
If using canned beans, skip this step, as they are already cooked and ready to go.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to break down and release their juices.

Step 3: Add The Smoked Ham

Add the smoked ham cubes (or pork) to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the ham to lightly brown and release its smoky flavor into the soup base.

Step 4: Combine Beans And Broth

Add the soaked (or canned) garbanzo beans to the pot, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring everything to a simmer and stir in the cumin, oregano, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 1 hour. The beans should be tender and the flavors well-blended.

Step 5: Adjust The Flavor

Once the soup is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of white vinegar if it needs a little acidity to balance the richness of the beans.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher to give it more texture.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive a little deeper into the ingredients, which are what truly make this soup shine.

Garbanzo Beans: Also known as chickpeas, these beans are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Their nutty flavor and firm texture make them perfect for soups, as they hold up well during cooking and absorb the surrounding flavors.
Smoked Ham: The key to achieving that classic Cuban taste. The smoky, salty flavor of the ham adds a richness to the soup that complements the earthiness of the beans. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try adding a smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar effect.
Cumin and Oregano: These spices are essential in Cuban cooking. Cumin adds a warm, slightly bitter note, while oregano gives a herbaceous depth to the soup. Combined, they create that complex, savory flavor that makes Cuban food so distinctive.
White Vinegar: A splash of vinegar at the end of cooking balances the richness of the beans and pork, cutting through the heaviness and brightening the entire dish. It’s a small touch but crucial for rounding out the flavors.

Expert Tips

Pre-cook your beans: If you have a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can cut down on time significantly by cooking the dried beans in it beforehand. This will allow you to get that homemade, slow-cooked flavor without the long simmer.
Don’t skip the vinegar: It might seem like a small ingredient, but the vinegar is a game-changer. It helps balance the heaviness and provides a nice contrast to the richness of the smoked ham and beans.
Serve with rice: This soup is often served with a side of white rice in Cuban homes. The rice soaks up the flavorful broth and makes for a heartier meal.
Make it ahead: Like most bean soups, the flavors improve the longer they sit. Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for a day or two. It tastes even better the next day!

Recipe Variations

While this Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup recipe is already packed with flavor, there are several variations you can try to make it your own.

Vegetarian version: Simply omit the smoked ham and add in a variety of vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for additional texture and sweetness. You can also add a tablespoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
Spicy kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce some heat to the soup. This is a great way to balance out the richness of the beans and ham.
Add greens: You can stir in some chopped kale, spinach, or Swiss chard for added nutrition. Add these towards the end of cooking to ensure they stay vibrant and tender.
Serve over quinoa: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to rice, serve the soup over a bed of cooked quinoa. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs well with the hearty beans.

Final Words

Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s comforting, hearty, and deeply satisfying-ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal. The layers of flavor-earthy beans, smoky ham, bright vegetables, and aromatic spices-make every spoonful a little slice of Cuban comfort.

It’s not just food; it’s an experience that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this soup is bound to please.

Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup Recipe