Sue Dexter'S Cuban Black Bean Soup
Sue Dexter's Cuban Black Bean Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender black beans, aromatic garlic, cumin, and oregano, accented with a splash of lemon juice and hot sauce. Perfect for comforting dinners or gatherings, it appeals to those seeking vibrant, plant-based flavors with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the dried black beans thoroughly and soak them in water for several hours or overnight.
- Drain the beans and combine them with 9 cups of water in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add the halved and crushed garlic cloves, salt, and chopped onion to the pot.
- Reduce heat and simmer the beans until they are tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Stir in the finely chopped green pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, hot sauce, and lemon juice.
- Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, consider using canned black beans; just reduce the cooking time significantly. If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika. For additional protein, you could toss in some diced ham or sausage. Adjust the hot sauce to your heat preference, and feel free to substitute green pepper with jalapeños for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a side of warm crusty bread or a fresh green salad. It pairs beautifully with Quick, Hot, Green Beans for a colorful plate. Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for added creaminess. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the soup thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sue Dexter'S Cuban Black Bean Soup contains roughly 1280 calories, with 50g protein, 294g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (553% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1456mg per serving (63% 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 make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! After soaking the beans, combine them with water, garlic, onion, and spices in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beans are tender. Stir in the green pepper and lemon juice towards the end of cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This Cuban Black Bean Soup is entirely plant-based and packed with flavor. All the ingredients, including the spices and vegetables, are vegan-friendly. Serve it with your favorite vegan sides to create a complete meal.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! Feel free to add diced carrots, zucchini, or even corn for extra nutrition and texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure all vegetables are tender and flavorful.
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).