Black Bean Soup, Cuban Or Jamaican
A hearty and flavorful black bean soup with smoky ham, aromatic spices, and a tangy lime twist, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. black beans ⓘ
- 1 lb. ham hock, cracked ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
- 1 Tbsp. beef stock base ⓘ
- 1 lime, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 pt. sour cream or plain yogurt
- salt to taste
- 2 1/2 qt. water ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sherry ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz.) ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak rinsed black beans overnight in water.
- Put the soaked beans and soaking water into a 5-quart pot.
- Add ham hock, chopped celery, chopped onions, chopped garlic, cayenne pepper, ground allspice, and beef stock base to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beans are ready to smash.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
When making Black Bean Soup, consider using smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness instead of cayenne pepper. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the ham hock with a smoked vegetable stock. For added depth, try incorporating a bay leaf during simmering. Always taste and adjust salt at the end to enhance the flavors without oversalting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Black Bean Soup hot, garnished with lime slices and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or rice for a complete meal. For a refreshing side, consider a simple avocado salad. You can also serve it alongside Grandma's Cabbage Rolls for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Bean Soup, Cuban Or Jamaican contains roughly 972 calories, with 31g protein, 236g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), calcium (139% of the Daily Value), and iron (117% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1264mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned black beans to save time. Simply drain and rinse them, then add them to the pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow them to absorb some flavors without becoming mushy.
How can I thicken the soup if it's too watery?
If your Black Bean Soup is too watery, you can use an immersion blender to puree a portion of it, which will thicken the soup while maintaining texture. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it.
What can I add for more flavor or spice?
For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños during the sautéing process. You can also enhance the soup with spices like cumin or coriander, or add a splash of hot sauce for more heat. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).