Cuban Black Beans(In A Crock-Pot)
A hearty Cuban black beans dish featuring smoky pork, aromatic spices, and tender beans, perfect for comforting meals and family gatherings. Versatile and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place washed dried black beans in the crock-pot without soaking.
- Pour boiling water over beans to cover with 2 inches.
- Add salt pork or ham bone and bay leaves.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, until beans are tender, checking that beans remain covered and adding water as needed.
- Add chopped onion, crushed garlic, sliced bell peppers, cumin, oregano, sliced olives (if using), and sliced chorizo (if using).
- Cook for an additional 1 hour.
- Serve over white rice or in a side bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, consider using smoked sausage instead of chorizo and adding a splash of vinegar before serving. If you don't have bay leaves, you can substitute with a pinch of Italian seasoning. To save time, you can use canned black beans, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking. Remember, the longer the beans sit, the more the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cuban black beans over white rice for a hearty meal. They also pair wonderfully with cornbread or can be enjoyed as a side dish alongside grilled meats or Pork recipes. For a refreshing contrast, consider serving with a simple salad or pickled vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the beans and heat them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cuban Black Beans(In A Crock-Pot) contains roughly 377 calories, with 14g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for a quicker option. Rinse and drain them, then add them to the crock-pot along with the other ingredients during the last hour of cooking. This will prevent them from becoming mushy and retain their texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Cuban black beans, simply omit the salt pork or ham bone and chorizo. You can enhance the flavor by using vegetable broth instead of water and adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste. The dish will still be delicious and hearty!
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Cuban black beans can be transformed into a delicious hot bean dish in tomato sauce. Simply mix the beans with tomato sauce, season to taste, and heat until warm. You can also use them as a filling for tacos or burritos, or blend them into a bean dip for a tasty appetizer.
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).