Cuban Black Bean Soup is one of the coziest, richest, and most flavorful soups you can make. Slow-simmered black beans combine with onions, peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, and a touch of vinegar to create a deeply satisfying bowl with Caribbean warmth. This recipe is naturally vegetarian and incredibly budget-friendly, yet it tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or alongside rice, plantains, or crusty bread, this soup delivers comfort and bold Cuban flavor in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🌱 Naturally vegetarian but protein-packed
💰 Budget-friendly and made from pantry ingredients
🇨🇺 Authentic Cuban flavors with garlic, cumin & peppers
🍲 Thick, rich, and hearty — perfect for cozy nights
❄️ Freezer-friendly and ideal for meal prep
✨ Even better the next day as flavors deepen
Ingredients
2 cups dried black beans (or 4 cups cooked/canned)
1 large onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 tsp smoked paprika
5 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Beans
Rinse the dried beans well and soak them in water for 6–8 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, green pepper, and red pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic & Spices
Stir in garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
- Add Beans & Simmer
Add soaked beans and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1–1.5 hours until beans are tender.
- Thicken the Soup
Remove 1–2 cups of soup and blend until creamy, then return it to the pot. This gives the soup its classic Cuban thickness.
- Finish with Flavor
Stir in red wine vinegar, season with salt and pepper, simmer 5 more minutes.
Serve
Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy warm!
Conclusion
This Cuban Black Bean Soup is a bold, nourishing, and comforting dish that’s loaded with authentic flavor. It’s perfect for cool evenings, meal prep, or when you need a warm, satisfying bowl that’s simple yet incredibly delicious. With rich spices, creamy blended beans, and zesty lime, this recipe brings true Cuban soul to your kitchen.
