Cuban Black Bean Soup Using Canned Beans Recipe

Cuban Black Bean Soup is a soul-satisfying, hearty dish that takes simple ingredients and turns them into a flavor-packed bowl of comfort. Known for its rich, savory taste, this dish has roots deeply planted in Cuban cuisine. Black beans, often seen as the star of the show, are combined with aromatic vegetables, spices, and sometimes ham or bacon, creating a complex, layered flavor profile that makes every spoonful a delight.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying vegetarian meal or a comforting soup to feed a crowd, Cuban Black Bean Soup is a versatile dish that checks all the boxes. And, here’s the kicker: we’re using canned beans to make it quick and easy without sacrificing any of the authenticity or taste.

Cuban Black Bean Soup Using Canned Beans Recipe

This recipe is a streamlined version of the traditional Cuban black bean soup, designed to bring you a bowl of rich, savory goodness in less time. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you need something simple yet flavorful. Plus, the canned beans save you the hassle of soaking dried beans overnight.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cans (15 oz each) of black beans – These are your base and save you loads of time!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing and adding depth to the flavor.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped – This adds sweetness and a foundational flavor.
• 1 bell pepper, chopped – Typically a green bell pepper for a more authentic flavor, but red or yellow work just as well.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – The garlic provides a bold, aromatic base for the soup.
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Adds a touch of acidity and freshness.
• 4 cups vegetable broth – You can use chicken broth for a meaty flavor or opt for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – This is a key spice in Cuban cuisine that brings warmth and earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon oregano – Adds a hint of herby brightness.
• 1 bay leaf – Imparts a subtle, savory depth to the soup.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – To season and balance the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar) – A little acidity to balance the richness of the beans.
• Chopped cilantro (optional) – For garnish, adding a fresh burst of flavor and color.
• Lime wedges (optional) – For a zesty, citrusy kick when serving.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers, and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent, and the peppers soften.
2. Garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir for about 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom and become fragrant.
3. Add the beans and broth: Pour in the canned black beans (drain and rinse them if you want a cleaner taste), followed by the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
4. Simmer the soup: Let the soup simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the beans to soften and absorb the spices.
5. Seasoning: Once the soup is nice and hot, add salt, pepper, and vinegar. Taste it to check the balance of flavors. You may want to add more vinegar for tang or more salt depending on your preference.
6. Final touches: Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra layer of freshness.

Ingredient Insights

• Black Beans: The hero of this dish, black beans are not only hearty but also packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Canned beans offer the same nutritional benefits as dried beans, and they’re ready to go straight from the can, making them an ideal choice for quick meals.
• Cumin: A quintessential spice in Cuban cooking, cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that infuses the soup with a slight smokiness and a rich depth. It’s subtle but absolutely essential in balancing the other ingredients.
• Vinegar: Adding vinegar might seem like a small step, but it’s crucial. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the beans and tomatoes, giving the soup a necessary tang that enhances the other flavors. It balances the natural sweetness from the peppers and onions.
• Bell Pepper: Adding bell pepper gives the soup a slight sweetness and also contributes a vibrant color. It’s not just for visual appeal but also for texture, giving the soup a slight crunch in every bite.

Expert Tips

• Blend for Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier texture, take half of the soup and blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. Stir it back into the pot for a thicker consistency without losing the integrity of the beans.
• Adjust the Spices: Cuban Black Bean Soup can be as mild or spicy as you like. Add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Alternatively, use a smoked paprika to add smokiness without the spice.
• Add Protein: If you want to make the soup heartier, feel free to add cooked bacon, ham hocks, or even chorizo for a meaty version. You can also throw in some cooked chicken for an extra protein boost.
• Leftovers: This soup actually tastes better the next day! The flavors have time to develop and meld, making leftovers a treat. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Simply use vegetable broth and skip any meat additions for a vegan-friendly dish. You can still achieve richness by adding some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Spicy Cuban: For a more authentic, spicy version, include a chopped hot pepper (like serrano or jalapeño) in the cooking process. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to finish the soup.
• Sofrito Style: Some traditional Cuban recipes start with a sofrito-a mix of onions, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes sautéed in oil to create the base of the dish. If you want to add even more complexity to the soup, make a quick sofrito to start the soup instead of just using raw onions and garlic.
• Add Rice: To make this soup even more filling, serve it over a bed of rice or stir some cooked rice directly into the soup. It’s a common practice in Cuban cuisine to combine beans and rice.

Final Words

Cuban Black Bean Soup is the epitome of comfort food-nutritious, satisfying, and deeply flavorful. The combination of earthy black beans, aromatic vegetables, and spices creates a rich, hearty bowl that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to a larger meal. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel warm from the inside out and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

By using canned beans, you’re able to create this classic dish in no time, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. And if you’ve never made black bean soup before, get ready for a kitchen experience that will have you coming back for seconds!