The best memories from my childhood always involve some sort of gathering loaded with tasty dishes, family and friends.
With my Cuban and Domincan heritage, rice, black beans, and plantains were always a staple, along with many more Caribbean recipes.
My favorite dish growing up by far was Cuban Black Beans, poured over tasty white rice, or just in a bowl, mmmmmm!
Cuban Style Black Beans
It wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s that I finally learned how to make them. My mom taught me how, and guess what? It’s so time consuming!
Cleaning and softening the beans takes an eternity, ain’t nobody got time for that! As with everything else I do, I DIY’d my own shortcut version of the recipe, and got the process down to about 20 minutes {virtual ‘high five’}.
Please do not have your Cuban Grandmother’s call me to complain about using the canned beans! I’m trying to save time, remember?
Plus, these Cuban Black Beans are really good! In fact, some may say they’re just as good as “Abuela’s”, but don’t tell her I said that.
Easy Cuban Style Black Beans
Easy Cuban Style black beans
Ingredients
- 1 can Black Beans
- 4 cloves Garlic, diced
- 1 Green Pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- 3 Bay Leaves
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 4-6fl oz Goya Mojo Criollo (Optional)
Instructions
- Place olive oil, garlic, green pepper into a sauce pan over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and dissolve it in the mixture. Pour the can of black beans into the pan, then add the optional Mojo Criollo, and mix all well. Add the cumin, salt and pepper, and bay leaves. Bring the recipe down to low and allow it to cook for about 15 minutes.
- Mix in the oregano, and leave it on low for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, and serve it nice and warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 150Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 488mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 8gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g
Which dish from your childhood stirs up the best memories?
Tara says
Yumy! Those look SO good, Barbara! Whenever I have chicken & dumplings, it reminds me of being little because I used to ask for that on my birthday :)
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Tara, that’s sweet! I will have to have you make me some chicken and dumplings in exchange for some Cuban black beans!
Pop Art Minis - Joni says
Looks delicious!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Thanks Joni!
Karyn Lisk says
My husband lived in Ft.Lauderdale for 2 years and feels he is a cuban black bean and rice aficionado. Every time were near FL he has to have it. Tonight I made your’s and am happy to report he loved it! it’s a keeper! Thank you for giving me a recipe that really lives up to the cuban taste without all the hard work!!
Barbara @ Chase the Star says
Karyn, you made my day! Thank so much! Living in south Florida for any amount of time can make anyone an aficionado! I’m SO happy to hear that you and your husband approves!! XO
Areathea says
Hi your recipe looks great and I am making things tomorrow. My question is exactly how much mojo criollo do I use? It says 4-6fl oz I’m confused. Not sure what that means as I’m pretty new to cooking.