All the most authentic Cuban black bean soup recipes I came across shared two things: First soaking the beans in a pot the day before you plan to cook, along with an onion and a green pepper. And second, cooking these vegetables along with the beans, and then pureeing and adding them back into the soup. I was dubious, but I followed these instructions and was very happy with the results.
Ingredients
1 pound dried black beans
One onion, peeled and halved
One green pepper, halved
Two bay leaves
¼ to ½ tsp salt
1 diced onion
1 diced green pepper
2 jalapeno peppers, diced
4 cloves garlic, diced
Olive oil
2 cups good beef stock
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tablespoon sugar
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
Sort and wash the beans. Cover them with water in a big pot, along with the onion, pepper, and bay leaves and refrigerate overnight. Next day, simmer until tender, up to an hour. Stir in a little salt—1/2 to 1 teaspoon to taste.
Make the sofrito:
Sauté one large diced onion, one diced green pepper, two jalapeños diced, four minced cloves garlic in a couple of tablespoons olive oil. Until soft. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and add all this to the beans.
Remove the bay leaves. Take the mushy onion and green pepper along with 2 cups of beans and process them in a blender until smooth. Add this back into the pot along with 2 cups of chicken or beef stock. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar. Simmer another 30 minutes, though the dish can go longer.
Serve with white rice, sour cream, hot sauce, and cilantro.
soaking |
chopping |
more chopping |
blending |
so hard to get a good photo of black bean soup! |
Do you enjoy Instagram? It's my new obsession. Please follow me if you're active!
Death on the Menu, the 8th Key West food critic mystery, will hit bookstores on August 7 from Crooked Lane Books.
Here's a pre-order the book link from Amazon--and here's a link to preorder a hard copy from RJ Julia in CT, where you'll be able to get a signed copy.
Or you can order it from Books and Books in Key West, or call Suzanne Orchard at Key West Island Bookstore ((305) 294-2904)--she'll be delighted to order you a copy!
Or really, wherever books are sold...
Thank you for the recipe. Congratulations on the new book!
ReplyDeletethanks Deb!
DeleteQuick question.....you cook the beans in the soaking liquid??
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to your new book!!!
I wondered the same thing. It appears so.
DeleteYes, that's what I did. so you don't lose the flavor.
DeleteI love black bean soup. This recipe looks good. I'm going to give it a try. Congratulations on your book.
ReplyDeletethanks Bonnie!
DeleteI was thinking about making soup this weekend. This may be the one!
ReplyDeleteIt is unusual to use the soaking liquid. I'd always thought that using fresh water helped reduce the bean gassiness.
Looking forward to the next "trip" to Key West with you.
Exactly, that's what I always thought. But this was delish! thanks Libby
DeleteRecipe sounds great. Looking forward to the new book.
ReplyDeletethanks so much Vicki!
DeleteHmmm. I wonder if blending the green pepper will disguise it enough that my husband won't notice it. This looks really good!
ReplyDeleteNot sure whether he'd notice:)
DeleteI can't wait to try this! I love black beans and rice. There used to be somethiing in a packet that was very good but I don't see it anymore so I kinda make my own. I believe the trick is in knowing what seasonings to use and now you've given me some good ideas.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I think Hayley's Mom, as written, comes across as very authenic!
thanks for the kind words Judi! Janet will be pleased.
DeleteI've given up on using packets of anything because they are usually loaded with sodium...
I'm going to have to give that recipe a try. It sounds tasty.
ReplyDeleteThat tuxedo cat is so cute. I used to have a really adorable tuxedo (RIP Emily the cat. I miss you so much)
I'm so sorry about Emily. It's awful to lose one of our furry friends.
DeleteThis soup looks & sounds tasty.
ReplyDeletethanks Jana--it's hard to take a good picture of soup!
Delete