Authentic Cuban Black Bean Soup
Course: SoupServings
6
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
35
minutesWhen it comes to a belly-warming, flavor-packed delight, Authentic Cuban Black Bean Soup deserves a front-row seat in your culinary repertoire. With roots that stretch back through history, this soup is a hearty symphony of spicy vegetables, beans, and ham, designed to captivate both your taste buds and your nutritional senses.
Historically, this savory concoction hails from the heart of Cuba, a country known for its vibrant cuisine. The tradition of black bean soup can be traced back to the indigenous Taino people who inhabited the island. But it was during the period of Spanish colonization that the dish evolved, with the introduction of ingredients like onions, peppers, and spices. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of Cuban cuisine, cherished for its robust flavor and nourishing qualities.
The essence of this soup lies in the medley of ingredients. A base of cooked or canned black beans provides an earthy depth, while diced smoked chicken or bacon infuses a smoky richness that’s simply irresistible. For those pursuing a vegetarian path, a dash of smoked paprika can replicate that delightful smokiness. This blend of ingredients is akin to a culinary mosaic, where each piece contributes to the overall masterpiece.
Calorie-wise, this soup leans toward the low end of the spectrum, especially if you opt for the vegetarian version. The broth is robust, and the beans contribute protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and healthy. The olive oil adds an element of richness while keeping the dish grounded in its Mediterranean roots.
Now, as you prepare this hearty delight, sautéing the onion, garlic, and green pepper sets the stage for a flavor explosion. It’s like a culinary overture, building anticipation for what’s to come. Then, as the smoked chicken or bacon sizzles in the pan, it’s akin to the crescendo of a symphony, a moment of culinary climax. The bay leaves, cumin, and paprika add layers of flavor, enhancing the experience.
In the end, this soup is a tribute to the fusion of flavors and a salute to history. So, ladle it into bowls, garnish with green or red onions, and savor the rich, spicy goodness of Authentic Cuban Black Bean Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a slice of history, a burst of flavor, and a nutritional treasure.
Historically, this savory concoction hails from the heart of Cuba, a country known for its vibrant cuisine. The tradition of black bean soup can be traced back to the indigenous Taino people who inhabited the island. But it was during the period of Spanish colonization that the dish evolved, with the introduction of ingredients like onions, peppers, and spices. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone of Cuban cuisine, cherished for its robust flavor and nourishing qualities.
The essence of this soup lies in the medley of ingredients. A base of cooked or canned black beans provides an earthy depth, while diced smoked chicken or bacon infuses a smoky richness that’s simply irresistible. For those pursuing a vegetarian path, a dash of smoked paprika can replicate that delightful smokiness. This blend of ingredients is akin to a culinary mosaic, where each piece contributes to the overall masterpiece.
Calorie-wise, this soup leans toward the low end of the spectrum, especially if you opt for the vegetarian version. The broth is robust, and the beans contribute protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and healthy. The olive oil adds an element of richness while keeping the dish grounded in its Mediterranean roots.
Now, as you prepare this hearty delight, sautéing the onion, garlic, and green pepper sets the stage for a flavor explosion. It’s like a culinary overture, building anticipation for what’s to come. Then, as the smoked chicken or bacon sizzles in the pan, it’s akin to the crescendo of a symphony, a moment of culinary climax. The bay leaves, cumin, and paprika add layers of flavor, enhancing the experience.
In the end, this soup is a tribute to the fusion of flavors and a salute to history. So, ladle it into bowls, garnish with green or red onions, and savor the rich, spicy goodness of Authentic Cuban Black Bean Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a slice of history, a burst of flavor, and a nutritional treasure.
Ingredients
700 g (1.5 lbs) cooked or canned black beans
1 large white onion diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
200 g (7 oz) smoked chicken or bacon, diced
1 liter (0.26 GL) chicken broth
1/3 cup chopped green onions
4 cloves of minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
3 bay leaves
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt/pepper to taste
Directions
- Saute the onion, garlic and green pepper in olive oil for about 7-8 minutes until the vegetables are soft
- Set the vegetables aside and saute the smoked chicken in the same frying pan until golden brown. For a vegetarian version you can omit the smoked chicken. In this case, for achieving a smoky taste you can add 1 tsp of smoked paprika.
- Transfer the vegetables, beans and chicken to the pan. Add chicken broth.
- Add bay leaves, spices and salt. Cook the soup for about 10-15 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with green onions. You can also garnish it with a red onion, since it goes very well with black beans.
