Family Recipe: Cuban Black Beans - INM (2024)

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  • PublishedJune 14, 2019
  • Last Updated October 17, 2023

Family Recipe: Cuban Black Beans - INM (2)

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Black beans are a legume known for their dark pigment. Like peas, lentils, and peanuts they share a strong nutritional profile. Black beans have many health benefits including cancer preventative properties, supporting healthy digestion, improving heart health and blood sugar retention. Some key takeaways on the benefits of black beans include:

  • Strengthening healthy bones with nutrients including phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc.
  • Providing quercetin and saponins to aid in cardioprotection.
  • Acting as a filling high-fiber food to increase the feeling of “fullness” and satiety which helps reduce overeating.

Check out this family recipe from Dr. JoAnn Yanez!

Quick and Easy!

Undoubtedly, without question….the best I’ve ever had. Not just saying that because it is a family recipe. Trust me – they’re delicious!!!

  1. Start with sofrito – 1 to 2-ish TBSP Olive oil (traditional recipes call for bacon or pork fat) finely dice and sauté 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 3-4 cloves garlic and 1 small stalk celery (That’s mom’s secret. She’ll be mad I am writing it down!)
  2. Once the vegetables are soft, add in the spices to warm through. 1 tsp paprika, ¼ tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp cumin, a pinch of oregano, 1-2 TBSP dried parsley, a dash of celery salt. Salt to taste.
  3. Then add one can plain organic black beans (drained)
  4. Fill the can with organic chicken or veggie stock and swirl to find the little last bits of beans
  5. Add ¼ cup wine (mom always uses port). Any robust red will do.
  6. Simmer on medium to low heat until desired consistency (about 20-25 min) stirring occasionally to avoid burning the bottom.

Serving Ideas:

This is better the next day as well – the flavors meld into heavenly yumminess. Can be served over rice or added to quesadillas, burritos, omelets or anything you would want beans in. It can also be blended smooth in the food processor for a killer bean dip, served with tortilla chips or cut veggies of your choice.

*substitution – you can sub pigeon beans (gandules) for a Puerto Rican version or any bean of your liking. But, for Cubans, black beans are a staple.

JoAnn Yanez, ND, MPH, CAE

Family Recipe: Cuban Black Beans - INM (3)
Family Recipe: Cuban Black Beans - INM (4)
Family Recipe: Cuban Black Beans - INM (5)

JoAnn is the Executive Director of the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges and the chair of the Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health (ACIH). She also serves on the Integrative Health Policy Consortium (IHPC) Education Committee. Weaving a passion for illness prevention into her professional life, Dr. Yanez’s career has spanned advocacy, academia, patient care, and public health.

Family Recipe: Cuban Black Beans - INM (6)

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Family Recipe: Cuban Black Beans - INM (7)

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The Institute for Natural Medicine, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. INM’s mission is to transform healthcare in America by increasing both public awareness of natural medicine and access to naturopathic doctors for patients. INM believes that naturopathic medicine, with its unique principles and practices, has the potential to reverse the tide of chronic illness that overwhelms existing healthcare systems and to empower people to achieve and maintain their optimal lifelong health. INM strives to achieve this mission through the following initiatives:

  • Education – Reveal the unique benefits and outcomes of evidence-based natural medicine
  • Access– Connect patients to licensed naturopathic doctors
  • Research– Expand quality research of this complex and comprehensive system of medicine

About The Author(s)

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Supported by a rigorous fact-checking and medical editing process from licensed naturopathic doctors thatexamines the latest in peer-reviewed research, our team brings their in-depth knowledge of natural health practices into every piece of content we produce. We strive to be the gold standard for evidence-based natural medicine, providing trustworthy information and inspiring narratives to help you live your best health, naturally.

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Family Recipe: Cuban Black Beans - INM (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Trader Joe's Cuban style black beans? ›

INGREDIENTS: prepared black beans, water, green bell peppers, onions, garlic puree (garlic, water, citric acid), sea salt, spices, red wine vinegar. made on equipment shared with UNCLEAR, milk, wheat and soy.

What is the most popular type of beans in Cuban cuisine? ›

Although black beans are the most popular bean used in Cuba, Charo also makes beans & rice dishes using red beans, white/navy beans, and garbanzos, just as her mother did when she was a kid.

Do black beans need to be soaked before cooking? ›

You can cook black beans with or without soaking, but keep in mind that soaking beans ensures they'll cook faster and more evenly. It can also make them easier to digest by reducing some of the gas-producing indigestible carbohydrates, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What should I add to black beans? ›

Best Black Bean Recipes

Season them with lime juice and zest, chili powder, oregano, and/or cilantro, and serve them as a side dish with Mexican or Latin American-inspired dishes like tacos or taquitos. Paired with some cilantro lime rice, they could also pass as a meal on their own!

How to cook black beans from Trader Joes? ›

Instructions
  1. Drain the liquid from ONE of the cans of beans and put into a medium saucepan. Add the remaining 2 cans of beans and their liquid to the pan. ...
  2. Transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. ...
  3. Serve in bowls with a dollop of sour cream or any other favorite garnishes.
May 19, 2016

Are Cuban black beans good for you? ›

Nutrition. Black beans are rich in antioxidants, which can protect the cells in your body and reduce your risk of conditions like heart disease and cancer. Black beans provide you with the following vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A.

What are 4 unique Cuban foods? ›

The Flavors and Heritage of Traditional Cuban Cuisine
  • Rice, Beans & Plantains. Like the origins of most native cuisine, ingredients are often determined by what's abundant and available. ...
  • Mojo Criollo. ...
  • Ropa Vieja. ...
  • Pescado, Gambas y Camarones. ...
  • Cuban Mix Sandwich, Cuban Toast & Pork. ...
  • Cuban Coffee. ...
  • Rum.

What are the 3 most popular foods in Cuba? ›

Most Popular Street Food in Cuba
  • Churros: These sweet fried dough pastries are quite popular in Cuba. ...
  • Tostones: Tostones (some call them “Chatinos”) are delicious fried plantains, which is a variant of banana suitable for cooking. ...
  • Sandwich de Huevo: These egg sandwiches are quite popular in Cuba.

What beans do Mexicans eat the most? ›

The pinto bean is perhaps one of the most common type of beans used in most Mexican dishes. Like the black bean, the pinto bean is also loaded with nutritious elements including high fiber and protein. Pinto beans are served both whole and mashed, which will become the refried bean.

What happens if you don't rinse black beans? ›

Canned beans are packed in a solution of water, salt, and starch. That solution can leave a glossy film on the beans, interfering with not only mouthfeel (slimy beans are a little off-putting), but also the ability of the beans to cling to other ingredients in the dish and absorb those flavors.

Is it OK not to rinse black beans? ›

Do You Need To Rinse Canned Beans? According to The Bean Institute, you can reduce up to 41 percent of the sodium in canned beans by rinsing them. "It's fine to add the bean liquid to many recipes, but if you want to reduce the amount of sodium, it's best to drain and rinse canned beans," the website states.

Why did my black beans turn brown? ›

All foods change color after cooking. Shiny black beans become dull so they look browner. Just enjoy the taste!

What is the tastiest way to eat black beans? ›

What's your favorite way to eat yummy black beans? Canned, with lime juice, tomatoes, and chili – This is all you need for a quick weeknight supper: mix canned black beans and drained, chopped tomatoes. Toss with chili flakes and a lot of lime juice and salt and pepper. Delicious!

Why do you put baking soda in black beans? ›

Baking soda creates an alkaline environment which reduces soaking and cooking time and preserves the beans' skin. As a result, the old bean's color comes to life, keeping them vibrant instead of dull. Compared to the grainy texture offered by old beans, baking soda beans can yield a creamy and smooth texture.

What flavor goes well with black beans? ›

BLACK BEANS

Pair with: Bright, citrusy flavors like lemon and lime; sharp flavors like fresh onion and garlic; earthy spices like cumin and coriander. Try them: Puree with salt and lime juice for a simple soup. Pack into quesadillas, tacos or burritos.

Is Trader Joe's Cuban style black beans gluten free? ›

Is it Gluten Free? Yes!

Are Cuban black beans gluten free? ›

Easy to make and ready in 20 minutes, but don't let that fool you, there is plenty of flavor in these beans. Healthy, high in fiber, vegetarian, gluten free, inexpensive and delicioso!

Are Trader Joe's black beans vegan? ›

Favorite Vegan Trader Joe's Products – #18

Trader Joe's has a huge selection of canned beans, including refried beans, black beans, garbanzo beans, and many more. I like all of them.

What are the ingredients in black bean powder? ›

Ingredients: Wheat flour, black bean paste (wheat, soy) 23%, sugar, salt, black bean paste seasoning (wheat, soy) onion seasoning mix, mixed potato starch, vegetable oil ( palm oil, milk), acetylated distarch adipate, color: E150c, roasted onion powder, rice flour, soy sauce powder (soy, salt, onion), soy seasoning ( ...

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