Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup

Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup Recipe - A Flavorful and Healthy Meal

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with protein and fiber from the black beans, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal. The combination of spices and vegetables gives this soup a unique and delicious flavor that will have you coming back for more.

History

Black bean soup is a popular dish in many Caribbean countries, where beans are a staple food. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different ingredients and flavors. The addition of ham and vinegar gives this soup a tangy and savory taste that sets it apart from other black bean soup recipes.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) dried black beans, washed and stones removed
3 onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced (powdered works fine, too)
1 ham hock or 0.75 cup cubed ham
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
3 cups water
2 tbsp vinegar

How to prepare

Soak the beans overnight in 4 qt (3.78 liters) of water.
Drain the beans and combine them with onions, green pepper, garlic, ham, oil, cumin, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and 3 cups of fresh water.
Stir well.
Cover the mixture.
Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours.
For a thicker soup, remove half of the cooked bean mixture and puree it until smooth using a blender or mash it with a potato masher.
Return the pureed mixture to the cooker.
If you prefer a soupier consistency, leave the mixture as it is.
Add vinegar and stir well.
Debone the ham, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the soup.
Serve the soup in soup bowls.
You can top it with sour cream and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Use smoked turkey or bacon instead of ham for a different twist.
Stir in a can of coconut milk for a creamy and tropical touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the beans overnight helps to soften them and reduce cooking time.

- Cooking the soup on low heat for a longer period of time allows the flavors to develop and meld together.

- Pureeing half of the bean mixture creates a thicker consistency, while leaving it as is results in a soupier texture.

- Adding vinegar at the end of cooking brightens the flavors and adds a tangy kick to the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with a side of rice or cornbread for a complete meal. Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the soup allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

- Pureeing half of the bean mixture creates a thicker consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned black beans instead of dried beans for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute vegetable broth for water for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in colorful bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the soup with a crisp green salad or a side of plantains for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 2g per serving

Saturated Fat: 0.5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 12g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 60mg per serving

Vitamin C: 10mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Pork (ham)

Summary

Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a meal.

Summary

Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is a healthy and satisfying option for a meal. Enjoy the unique flavors of the Caribbean with this delicious black bean soup recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Havana, Cuba. My mother, may she rest in peace, was a wonderful cook who passed down her love for food and cooking to me. She always said that the key to a delicious dish was to put love and care into every step of the cooking process.

One day, while rummaging through my mother's old recipe book, I stumbled upon a worn and tattered page that caught my eye. It was a recipe for Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup, written in her elegant cursive handwriting. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the rich flavors of the soup in my mind. I knew I had to try making it myself.

I asked my mother about the origins of the recipe, and she told me that she had learned it from a dear old friend who hailed from Trinidad. This friend had traveled all over the Caribbean and had picked up various recipes along the way. She had graciously shared this particular recipe with my mother, who had adapted it to suit our own tastes and ingredients available in Cuba.

Excited to try my hand at making the soup, I gathered all the necessary ingredients from the local market. The recipe called for black beans, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a variety of spices such as cumin, paprika, and thyme. As I chopped and sautéed the vegetables, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of the spices, transporting me to a tropical paradise.

I added the black beans and vegetable broth to the pot, allowing the soup to simmer and develop its flavors. As I stirred the pot, I thought about the stories my mother had shared with me about her friend from Trinidad. She had described the vibrant colors, the lively music, and the delicious food that filled the streets of the Caribbean islands. I imagined myself sitting on a beach somewhere, savoring a bowl of this flavorful soup while watching the sun set over the turquoise waters.

After a few hours of simmering, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls, garnishing each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. As I took my first spoonful, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and exotic spices. The soup was a symphony of tastes – earthy black beans, tangy tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and a medley of spices that danced on my tongue.

I couldn't wait to share this culinary masterpiece with my family and friends. They all marveled at the depth of flavors and the warmth of the soup, declaring it a new family favorite. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated a recipe passed down through generations, adding my own touch to make it truly my own.

As the years went by, I continued to make Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my mother, her friend from Trinidad, and the rich culinary heritage of the Caribbean. The soup became a symbol of my love for cooking and my appreciation for the diverse flavors of the world.

To this day, whenever I make Caribbean-style Black Bean Soup, I am reminded of that fateful day when curiosity led me to discover a recipe that would become a treasured part of my cooking repertoire. It is a reminder that food has the power to connect us to our past, our traditions, and the people who have shaped our culinary journey. And for that, I am forever grateful.