Emilia's Authentic Cuban Black Beans Recipe

Enjoy the authentic taste of Cuban cuisine with Emilia's delicious and flavorful black beans recipe. This classic dish is packed with protein and bold spices, making it a satisfying and healthy option for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the flavors of Cuba right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black beans
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Directions

1. Rinse the black beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with water and let them soak overnight.
2. Drain the soaked beans and rinse them again.
3. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the drained black beans to the pot and fill it with enough water to cover the beans by about an inch.
5. Stir in the bay leaves, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the beans simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Once the beans are cooked, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in the white vinegar.
8. Use a wooden spoon or a fork to mash some of the beans against the side of the pot, creating a thicker consistency.
9. Continue cooking the beans for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to further blend.
10. Serve the black beans hot as a side dish, or as a main course with rice and plantains.

Interesting Facts