Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish

Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish Recipe - A Delicious Blend of Caribbean and Italian Flavors

Region / culture: Cuba, Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the rich and hearty flavors of black beans with the sweet and tangy taste of mango relish. This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish is a traditional Cuban dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of black beans and mango relish is a classic pairing that highlights the vibrant and bold flavors of Cuban cuisine.

Ingredients

mango relish
2 mangos, peeled and diced
0.5 cup chopped red bell pepper
3 scallions, bottoms and 2 inches of green, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped italian parsley
juice of 1 lime
1 tsp light brown muscovado sugar
Cuban black beans
2 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup chopped onion
1 6 oz (170 g) package soy Canadian “bacon,” diced
2 15 oz (425 g) cans salt-free black beans, well drained
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
0.33 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp ground cumin
0.13 tsp lemon pepper
hot pepper sauce to taste

How to prepare

1. To make Mango Relish: Mix diced mangoes, bell pepper, scallions, and parsley. Squeeze lime juice over all, stir well, and add sugar. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. To make Cuban black beans: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat for 1 minute. Add garlic, onion, and bacon. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add beans, vinegar, cilantro, cumin, and lemon pepper. Stir in hot sauce to taste. Reduce heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes, or until ready to serve.

Variations

Add diced avocado to the mango relish for a creamy texture.
Substitute black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the black beans well before adding them to the dish to prevent excess liquid.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish over rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the garlic, onion, and bacon until fragrant to build flavor in the dish.

- Simmer the black beans with the seasonings to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular bacon instead of soy Canadian “bacon” for a non-vegetarian version of the dish.

- Substitute parsley with cilantro in the mango relish for a different herb flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the mango relish and black beans ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them just before serving for the best flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish in individual bowls garnished with a lime wedge and a sprig of cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of plantains or fried yuca for a complete Cuban meal. Serve with a refreshing mojito or Cuba libre cocktail for a true taste of Cuba.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 4g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 45% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish is a nutritious dish that is high in fiber, protein, and vitamins. It is a great option for a healthy and balanced meal.

Summary

Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With the bold flavors of black beans and the sweet and tangy mango relish, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a hot summer day in Havana, and I had just finished shopping at the local market for fresh ingredients for my latest culinary experiment. As I strolled through the bustling streets, I stumbled upon a small, quaint cafe tucked away in a cozy corner. The scent of spices and herbs wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

I pushed open the door and was greeted by the warm smile of the cafe's owner, a lovely woman with kind eyes and a gentle demeanor. She welcomed me with open arms and invited me to take a seat at one of the wrought iron tables that dotted the quaint little establishment. As I settled in, she handed me a menu filled with tantalizing dishes that made my mouth water.

One particular dish caught my eye - Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish. I had never heard of such a combination before, and my curiosity was piqued. I ordered it without hesitation, eager to taste this unique creation that seemed to blend the flavors of the Caribbean in a harmonious symphony.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds with every mouthful. The black beans were rich and creamy, infused with the warmth of cumin and the earthiness of oregano. And the mango relish...oh, the mango relish! It was a burst of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complemented the savory beans, creating a perfect balance of flavors that left me craving more.

I couldn't help but ask the cafe owner for the recipe, and she graciously obliged. She told me that she had learned how to make Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish from her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations of women in their family. It was a cherished family secret, she said, one that she was proud to share with me.

As she recited the ingredients and the cooking process, I listened intently, committing every detail to memory. I could feel the passion and love that went into making this dish, and I knew that I had to recreate it in my own kitchen.

Back at home, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work. I soaked the black beans overnight, allowing them to plump up and soften in preparation for the cooking process. The next day, I sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot until they were fragrant and translucent, then added the soaked beans along with a generous amount of water.

As the beans simmered on the stove, I added a pinch of cumin, a dash of oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, a heady mix of spices and herbs that promised a delicious meal to come.

While the beans cooked, I turned my attention to the mango relish. I diced ripe mangoes and mixed them with diced red onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors mingled together in a colorful medley that was as beautiful to look at as it was to taste.

Finally, after hours of simmering and stirring, the Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish were ready. I ladled a generous portion into a bowl, topping it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the explosion of flavors that danced on my palate.

The dish was a triumph, a perfect blend of savory and sweet that captured the essence of Cuban cuisine in every mouthful. I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would be passed down through the generations of my family, just like the cafe owner's grandmother had done for her.

And as I sat at my kitchen table, enjoying the fruits of my labor, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had led me to this moment. From the bustling streets of Havana to the cozy confines of my own home, I had learned the art of making Cuban Black Beans with Mango Relish, a dish that would forever hold a special place in my heart.