- 1 pound dried black beans (not canned)
- 1 ham hock (this is a meaty bone that has been smoked and adds exceptional flavor to the broth)
- 2 medium onions, diced (no bigger than 8 ounces each; I often use one red, one yellow onion, but use what you have on hand)
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (I like to keep the seeds for a little heat, but you may remove; hot sauce or crushed red pepper may be substituted)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (see notes)
- 7 or 9 cups water, according to cooking method selected below
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (the kind you could drink, not cooking sherry; see notes)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (I use approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper)
- Optional garnishes: cooked rice, chopped cilantro, diced peppers, sliced scallions, Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped hard-boiled eggs, lemon or lime wedges, hot sauce
Cuban Black Bean Soup
Hearty yet so healthy, this soup is a favorite in my family for its incredible flavor. I also love it for the ease of preparation as well as the leftovers, which improve with age. If the soup is finished cooking before dinner, I allow it sit at room temperature for up to two hours so the flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly. Then I turn the slow cooker or stove back on to rewarm when we are ready to eat.
Although the soup is delightful without a single garnish, it lends itself well to a smorgasbord of toppings if you wish. The bevy of options makes this a fun, casual meal when entertaining. A side of cornbread pairs quite well, too.
Yields around 8 servings (2+ quarts).
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the black beans. There are two good options: First, you may place the beans in a bowl and add water to cover by at least two inches. Cover and let stand overnight or up to 24 hours, refrigerating if the kitchen is very warm. Drain well and discard the soaking liquid. Alternatively, for a quick soak, pour boiling water over the beans to cover by two inches. Let stand for at least one hour or up to a few hours. Drain as with the first method.
- For a slow cooker method: Place the onions, celery, garlic, jalapeño, drained beans, ham hock, tomato paste, and 7 cups of water in the slow cooker. Do not add the sherry, salt, or pepper at this point. Cover and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours or until the beans are tender. You may instead cook on high heat for approximately half the time.
- For a stovetop version: Heat a tablespoon or two of olive or vegetable oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Sauté the onions, celery, and jalapeño until tender, about 5-7 minutes, adding the garlic in the last 30 seconds. Add 9 cups of water along with the drained beans, ham hock, and tomato paste, and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, until the beans are tender, about two hours. (Test the beans after approximately 1 1/2 hours to check for doneness.)
- For both versions: When the beans are tender, remove the ham hock to a plate, and allow to cool for a few minutes. In the meantime, purée the bean mixture in a blender or with a handheld immersion blender. For ease, I like to use an immersion blender and keep the soup a little chunky. If you are using a blender and prefer not to completely purée the soup, blend half of the soup.
- Discard the ham bone and any fat, and dice or shred the meat. Return the meat to the slow cooker or pot along with the salt, pepper, and sherry. Cook for a few more minutes to heat through. At this point, if you prefer the soup to be thicker, you may simmer a few more minutes with the lid off. The soup will also thicken slightly as it sits.
- Serve with toppings of choice.
Notes
- While I seldom use sherry, there are a few recipes to which it adds exceptional flavor. Sherry will keep for years, so there is no need to worry about spoilage if you purchase a bottle and use it infrequently.
- A tube of tomato paste is perfect for recipes requiring a small quantity. If using a can, freeze the remaining paste in 1 tablespoon “globs” or in an ice cube tray for future, pre-measured use. (See photo below for another easy option.)