Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro

Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro Recipe | Vegetarian Cuban Cuisine

Region / culture: Cuba | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish. The combination of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro creates a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, where black beans are a staple ingredient. Black beans are a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan diets. The addition of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of butter
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed
1 green bell pepper, seeded, deribbed, and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed, and chopped
2 cups of cooked black beans
0.5 tsp of salt
6 plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 tbsp of olive oil
0.25 cup of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley
0.25 tsp of ground cayenne pepper
5 parsley sprigs, for garnish

How to prepare

In a large sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and green and red peppers, and sauté for 4–6 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are tender.
Add the black beans and salt to taste. Also, add the tomatoes and olive oil. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, until it is hot throughout. Then, add the cilantro and mix well.
Finally, add cayenne pepper to taste and serve hot, garnished with sprigs of parsley.

Variations

Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Substitute black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans.
Add corn or diced zucchini for additional vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the onions and peppers until they are tender to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Adding cayenne pepper gives the dish a spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

- Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro as a main dish with rice or quinoa, or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with tortilla chips or warm cornbread.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions and peppers until tender.

- Cook the black beans with tomatoes until hot throughout.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro and parsley for added flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil.

- Substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes.

- Use dried cilantro if fresh cilantro is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro in a colorful bowl and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of rice, quinoa, or cornbread. It also goes well with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

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 hot throughout before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a satisfying and nutritious meal option that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The fats in this recipe come from the olive oil and butter used for cooking. These healthy fats are important for brain function and overall health.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients are important for immune function, vision health, and heart health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for individuals with dairy allergies. It is also gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Summary

Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying meal option that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans.

Summary

Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish. With a combination of black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, this dish is packed with flavor and essential nutrients. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or cornbread for a satisfying and healthy meal option.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. I had always loved cooking and trying out new recipes, and this one seemed like a perfect match for my taste buds. The combination of spicy black beans with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro just sounded absolutely delicious. I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I first encountered this recipe at a potluck dinner hosted by one of my dear friends, Mrs. Jenkins. She was known for her amazing culinary skills and always had a knack for creating unique and flavorful dishes. As soon as I took my first bite of her Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro, I was hooked. The flavors burst in my mouth, and I couldn't get enough.

After complimenting Mrs. Jenkins on her dish, I begged her to share the recipe with me. She smiled and told me that she had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her. She graciously agreed to teach me how to make it, and we spent the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, chopping onions, dicing tomatoes, and cooking the black beans to perfection.

As we worked together, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories about her grandmother and how she had taught her the art of cooking. She talked about the importance of using fresh ingredients, seasoning with love, and always tasting as you go. I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring every moment.

By the time we finished cooking, the aroma of the Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro filled the kitchen, and my stomach growled in anticipation. Mrs. Jenkins served up a steaming bowl of the dish, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and we sat down to enjoy our creation.

The first bite was just as amazing as I remembered. The flavors danced on my tongue, and I couldn't help but close my eyes and savor every mouthful. Mrs. Jenkins watched me with a smile, knowing that she had passed on a special recipe that would now become a part of my culinary repertoire.

From that day on, I made the Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro regularly. It became a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would whip up for family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy nights at home. Each time I made it, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of their recipe.

Over the years, I continued to tweak the recipe, adding my own flair and experimenting with different ingredients. I discovered that a dash of cumin added depth to the flavors, a squeeze of lime brightened the dish, and a dollop of sour cream cooled down the heat of the spices.

I shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, passing down the tradition of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. I taught them the importance of using fresh ingredients, seasoning with love, and always tasting as you go. And as we sat around the table, enjoying a steaming bowl of Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro, I knew that the legacy of this dish would live on for generations to come.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the first time I saw this recipe and all the memories that have been created around it, I am filled with gratitude. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my love and creativity, and this dish holds a special place in my heart.

So, if you ever find yourself craving a flavorful and comforting meal, I urge you to try making Spicy Black Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Cilantro. Let the flavors transport you to a cozy kitchen, filled with love and laughter, where memories are made and traditions are passed down from generation to generation. And who knows, maybe one day, you'll be the one sharing this recipe with someone special, creating new memories and traditions of your own.