Havana Beans
Bring a taste of the Caribbean to your table with this vibrant and flavorful Havana Beans recipe. Perfect as a hearty main or versatile side dish, this one-pot wonder combines tender black beans with a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, simmered to perfection in a rich tomato-based broth. The addition of fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness, while optional cilantro and fluffy white rice make for a complete and satisfying meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, this vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving a healthy, plant-based dish with bold Cuban-inspired flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 3 cups cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup tomato sauce (unsalted)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced yellow onion and green bell pepper to the skillet, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, stirring well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
Add the cooked black beans, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth to the skillet, and stir to combine.
Drop in the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the beans cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Serve the Havana Beans warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, over a bed of cooked white rice or as a standalone dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1701 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 35.6 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2977 mg | 129% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 290.0 g | 105% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 55.5 g | 198% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.9 g | ||
| Protein | 65.0 g | 130% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 342 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 3524 mg | 75% | |
*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.
