Caribbean Black Beans
Transport your taste buds straight to the tropics with this flavorful Caribbean Black Beans recipe! Packed with the deep, earthy richness of tender black beans and infused with a vibrant blend of aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne heat, this dish is elevated with creamy coconut milk and a zing of fresh lime juice. The addition of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and fresh cilantro creates a harmonious balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes in every bite. Perfect as a hearty vegan main dish or a flavorful side paired with fluffy rice, this recipe brings healthy comfort food with an island-inspired twist to your table. Ready in just a few easy steps, it’s a must-try for those craving bold, Caribbean-inspired flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (dry) black beans
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced bell pepper
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed) lime juice
- 0.25 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the dry black beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight, or for at least 8 hours. Drain the beans and set aside.
In a large pot, add the soaked black beans and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the beans are tender. Drain the cooked beans and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
Add the cooked black beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the aromatics and spices.
Pour in the coconut milk and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve the Caribbean black beans warm, paired with rice or as a standalone dish. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
794 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.9 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3602 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.3 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.3 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.7 g | ||
| Protein | 24.8 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 388 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 936 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
