Description
These spicy hipster black beans are a hearty and flavorful dish, simmered with garlic, onions, and optional bacon for a rich, comforting meal reminiscent of Cuban-style cooking.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb black beans
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 to 4 slices bacon (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 or 3 serrano peppers, chopped (optional)
- 1 or 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken stock (Vegetarian option: use vegetable stock)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Sift through the black beans and remove any broken pieces or sediment. Rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- Soak the beans in water overnight in a large pot, or cover them with 2 to 4 cups of water, ensuring there is enough liquid for the beans to expand.
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If using, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and serrano peppers to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Add the soaked beans to the pot, along with the chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the liquid has reduced.
- Season with salt to taste. If using, crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the beans.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. These beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve with rice for a complete meal. Adjust the number of serrano peppers to control the spice level.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Cuban
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 10