Love black bean recipes? Also try this vegan Mexican black bean casserole or these spicy vegan empanadas stuffed with black beans. With antioxidant-rich black beans, sweet potatoes and colorful bell peppers, these Cuban black beans are loaded with both healthful nutrition and tons of flavor. This is a really simple recipe that requires few ingredients, but it delivers big flavor. This is also a great recipe to make in the crockpot, and you can also make it oil-free. The stew gets its smoky flavor from ground cumin and oregano. Cuban recipes would likely not include sweet potatoes, but I like the slight sweetness they add, and they also bring so many health benefits with them.
Why you will love this recipe
Rich, deep flavor. The black beans have so much yum from the cumin, oregano and the flavorful sweet potatoes and bell peppers. Cooking them together over slow heat deepens these amazing flavors. Easy, one-pot recipe. This Cuban black beans recipe needs just a few pantry ingredients and it comes together quickly. Versatile. You can serve these black beans by themselves, as a wholesome meal, or serve them as a side with your favorite entree. Healthy. Everything in this dish is great for your health, from the anthocyanin-loaded black beans to the veggies and herbs. Soy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and vegan recipe. With no allergens, these black beans are suited to every palate.
Ingredients
Black beans. I like starting out with dried beans for this Cuban-style black beans recipe, so I can add some aromatics to the beans as they cook, which deepens their flavor. But if you want to use canned beans, go ahead. Vegetables: Red onions, red and yellow bell peppers (green bell peppers are fine too), and sweet potatoes. Herbs: bay leaves, garlic, oregano and fresh cilantro. Spices: ground cumin and red pepper flakes (or paprika).
How to make Cuban black beans
Tweaks for special diets
Low-carb: Skip the sweet potatoes and add zucchini instead. Oil-free: Skip the oil and saute the veggies in ¼ cup vegetable stock or broth or plain water.
Serving suggestions
Serve the Cuban black beans by themselves, garnished with cilantro. If you want to, top with a scoop of vegan sour cream and scallions for even more deliciousness. Serve over a bed or white rice or brown rice. Serve with bulgur or quinoa. Serve with bread, like this delicious no-knead sourdough bread or these crusty sourdough dinner rolls. Top with crushed tortilla chips.
Recipe card
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