Cuban Black Bean Soup from Bahama Breeze features hearty black beans simmered with smoky ham, aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of Cuban spices, served as a rich and velvety dish topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a vibrant, comforting flavor.
Equipments
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
- Mixing bowls
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Can opener (if using canned beans)
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) dried black beans or 3 (15 oz) cans black beans
- 1/2 lb (225g) smoked ham, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Choosing between dried black beans and canned black beans affects cooking time significantly; dried beans require soaking and longer simmering for tenderness, while canned beans save time with immediate use. Using smoked ham adds a rich, smoky depth that defines the soup's authentic Cuban flavor profile, so avoid substituting with less flavorful meats. The blend of Cuban spices like cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper creates the characteristic aromatic and mildly spicy taste essential for this dish. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime at serving enhance the soup's vibrant and comforting finish, balancing the richness with brightness. Your homemade Cuban Black Bean Soup captures the hearty, smoky essence of Bahama Breeze's popular menu item perfectly.
Instructions
- Sort and rinse dried black beans (if using dried); soak overnight or use a quick soak method.
- Drain and rinse soaked beans.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add diced smoked ham; cook for a few minutes to render flavors.
- Stir in ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf.
- Add soaked/drained black beans (or canned/rinsed), chicken or vegetable broth, and canned diced tomatoes (if using).
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until beans are tender (about 1–1.5 hours for dried beans, 20–30 minutes for canned beans).
- Remove bay leaf.
- Use a ladle to remove about 2 cups of soup; blend until smooth, then return purée to the pot for a creamier texture (optional).
- Stir in red wine vinegar.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Substitution
The Cuban Black Bean Soup from Bahama Breeze copycat recipe allows flexibility in bean choice, using either dried or canned black beans depending on your time constraints and pantry supply. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute smoked ham with smoked paprika and add extra vegetables like carrots or celery to maintain depth of flavor. When using dried beans, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time and improve texture, while canned beans offer convenience but may require rinsing to reduce sodium. Lime juice or red wine vinegar can be adjusted to brighten the soup's flavor profile to your taste. Fresh cilantro garnish can be replaced with parsley or omitted if you are not a fan of its distinct taste.
Tips
When preparing Cuban Black Bean Soup, soaking dried beans overnight or using a quick soak method is crucial to ensure even cooking and reduce digestive discomfort. Using smoked ham adds depth and smokiness, so don't skip this ingredient or substitute with a similar smoked meat for authentic flavor. Blending a portion of the soup before returning it to the pot creates a creamy texture without added dairy, enhancing mouthfeel and richness. You should add the red wine vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten the soup's flavor and balance the smoky, savory notes perfectly.
Nutritions
Cuban Black Bean Soup offers a nutrient-rich profile with black beans providing a high amount of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, iron, and folate. Smoked ham adds protein and essential B vitamins, while the olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats. The blend of spices like cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika not only enhances flavor but also delivers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Your meal becomes a balanced dish promoting digestive health, sustained energy, and immune support.
Storage
Store Cuban Black Bean Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to preserve its smoky and savory flavors. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you leave room for expansion. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stove or in the microwave to maintain its velvety texture and vibrant taste.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace smoked ham with smoked turkey or chorizo sausage for a different smoky flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth, adding extra smoked paprika or chipotle powder to maintain depth. To intensify the soup's texture, roast the black beans beforehand or blend in roasted poblano peppers during the pureeing step. Experiment with topping the soup with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and richness.
Allergies
Cuban Black Bean Soup contains smoked ham, which may pose a risk for those with pork or meat allergies. The broth used can also be chicken-based, so vegetarians or individuals allergic to poultry should check the broth type carefully. Your sensitivity to garlic, onions, or spices like cumin and paprika should be considered, as they may cause allergic reactions or intolerance in some individuals.
Why this recipe?
Cuban Black Bean Soup from Bahama Breeze is loved for its rich, smoky flavor profile crafted from slow-simmered black beans, authentic Cuban spices, and a hint of sweetness that creates a perfect balance. The hearty texture and vibrant taste make it a comforting yet exotic choice that stands out on the menu. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to enjoy the same bold flavors at home while customizing the ingredients to suit your preferences. Your kitchen experience becomes a flavorful adventure with a dish celebrated for its depth and cultural authenticity.