Cuban Black Beans with Green Chilies: A Comforting Bowl of Deliciousness

In the world of comfort food, few dishes can compete with the rich, hearty goodness of Cuban Black Beans. This humble yet flavorful dish has been a staple in Cuban cuisine for generations, and for good reason. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and budget-friendly. Today, I’ve decided to share a sneak peek recipe from my upcoming cookbook “The Magnificent Pantry,” set to release on October 22nd, 2024.

The Magic of Cuban Black Beans

Cuban Black Beans, or “Frijoles Negros” in Spanish, are more than just a side dish. They’re a celebration of flavor, combining the earthiness of black beans with an aromatic blend of onions, garlic, spices, and in this special recipe, a kick of green chilies. The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for any time of the year.

Exclusive Recipe: Cuban Black Beans with Green Chilies

Here’s the sneak peek recipe from “The Magnificent Pantry”:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried black beans, soaked overnight
• 1 large onion, diced or 1/3 cup freeze-dried diced onion and 1/3 cup of broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (for extra special touch, roast the garlic)
• 1 bell pepper, diced or ¼ cup freeze-dried bell pepper and ¼ cup of broth
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Broth (chicken or beef)

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked beans.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced green chilies and cook for another minute.
4. Add beans, bay leaves, cumin, and oregano. Stir to combine.
5. Add enough water or broth to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beans are tender. (In a pressure cooker, only 45 minutes is needed)
7. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed. (no additional liquid should be needed if using a pressure cooker, and no stirring will be required)
8. Once beans are tender, season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered to thicken the sauce.
10. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This comforting dish pairs perfectly with rice, creating a satisfying and complete meal. I suggest doubling this recipe then combining it  with a pound of  browned sausage, a teaspoon of fennel, and a cup or two of diced tomatoes (canned are fine) on top of rice for a truly fulfilling meal.  It transforms a side dish into a go-to comfort meal, and it’s easy to see why!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility – it serves 6 by itself, but 10-12 when served with rice. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for both everyday dinners and unexpected gatherings.

Cooking Methods

While the recipe provides stovetop instructions, I prefer using a pressure cooker. This method requires less fuel and time, and the beans turn out perfectly. When using a pressure cooker, the cooking time is reduced to just 45 minutes, with no need for additional liquid or stirring.

Prepper-Friendly Tips

For those interested in preparedness, this Cuban Black Beans recipe is a fantastic option. Many of the ingredients have a long shelf life and are easy to store. The recipe even provides alternatives using freeze-dried vegetables, making it even more pantry-friendly.

There’s no need to rehydrate the freeze-dried items separately, as they get enough moisture during the cooking process. This saves time and simplifies the cooking process, especially in situations where resources might be limited.

This Cuban Black Beans with Green Chilies recipe is more than just a delicious meal – it’s a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients combined with a bit of culinary magic. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, preparing for unexpected situations, or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish has got you covered.

Don’t forget to check out the full cookbook, “The Magnificent Pantry,” coming out on October 22nd, 2024, for more fantastic recipes and tips on creating delicious, practical meals from your pantry staples!

 

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