Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Cuban cuisine with this mouthwatering black beans recipe that promises to deliver rich, authentic flavors in just 40 minutes! Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious food adventurer, this pressure cooker method will revolutionize how you prepare traditional Cuban black beans, making it easier and faster than ever to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Cuban
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the dried black beans under cold water to remove any debris. Soak the beans in water for at least 4 hours or overnight, if possible. This will help them cook more evenly and reduce cooking time. If you're short on time, you can skip soaking, but the beans may take longer to cook.
- After soaking, drain the beans and set them aside. Prepare your vegetables by chopping the onion and bell pepper, and mincing the garlic. Having all your ingredients prepped will make the cooking process smoother.
- In your pressure cooker, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the cumin, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the soaked and drained black beans to the pressure cooker, followed by the vegetable broth. Make sure the beans are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Seal the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set it to cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. If you're using an electric pressure cooker, select the 'Beans' or 'Manual' setting.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Open the lid once it is safe to do so.
- Stir the beans gently and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans against the side of the pot with a fork or potato masher.
- Serve the Cuban black beans hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own, over rice, or as a side dish with your favorite Cuban dishes.
Tips
- Soaking is key: While the recipe allows for quick preparation, soaking beans overnight can improve digestibility and reduce cooking time.
- Don't skip the sauté step: Sautéing onions, peppers, and garlic builds a deep flavor foundation for your beans.
- Spice it up: Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or a dash of oregano to personalize your dish.
- Check liquid levels: Always ensure beans are fully submerged in broth for even cooking.
- Natural pressure release helps beans stay intact and absorb more flavor.
- For a creamier texture, mash a portion of the beans against the pot's side.
- These beans taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
