Cuban Black Beans From A Can

Cuban Black Beans From A Can is a easy Cuban recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Diablo Ruby & Bane on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 32 min | Total: 47 min

Cost: $2.41 total, $0.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 piece Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled and pressed)
  • 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves
  • 2 cans Canned Black Beans (15 oz each, include liquid)
  • 1 cup Water (or one 8 oz can of water)
  • 1 cube Chicken Bouillon (or 1 tsp bouillon powder)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Dice the green bell pepper into small uniform pieces and peel the garlic cloves. Press the garlic through a garlic press or mince finely.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Bell Pepper

    Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly translucent.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add Garlic

    Add the pressed garlic to the skillet and cook for about one minute, just until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Deglaze with Vinegar

    Stir in the red wine (or white wine) vinegar, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Add Beans and Seasonings

    Add the canned black beans with their liquid, the cup of water, chicken bouillon cube, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and break up the beans slightly.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 20‑25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and most of the liquid has reduced to a thick sauce.

    Time: PT22M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  7. Finish and Serve

    Remove the bay leaves, give the beans a final stir, and serve hot alongside rice or your favorite grain.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free (if using gluten‑free bouillon)

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Cuban Black Beans From A Can

Recipe by Diablo Ruby & Bane

A quick and authentic Cuban black beans recipe made from canned beans. Perfect as a side dish for rice, this one‑pot meal is flavorful, easy, and ready in under an hour.

EasyCubanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
28m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.41
Total cost
$0.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté bell pepper until softened.
  • Press and add garlic without burning.
  • Simmer beans until tender and liquid reduced.
  • Remove bay leaves before serving.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil carefully to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use oven mitts when moving the hot skillet.
  • Press garlic with caution to prevent finger injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Cuban black beans in Cuban cuisine?

A

Black beans, known as "frijoles negros," are a staple of Cuban home cooking and have been part of the island's diet since the Spanish colonial era, providing a cheap source of protein and fiber for working families.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of Cuban black beans across Cuba?

A

In eastern Cuba, beans are often cooked with sofrito and a touch of cumin, while western regions may add a splash of orange juice or a hint of smoked paprika for extra flavor.

cultural
Q

How are authentic Cuban black beans traditionally served in Cuba?

A

Authentic Cuban black beans are typically served over white rice, sometimes topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a side of fried plantains, making a complete meal called "Moros y Cristianos" when mixed with rice.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature Cuban black beans in Cuban culture?

A

Black beans are a daily staple but also appear on special occasions such as family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays like Christmas, where they are part of the festive spread alongside pork and rice.

cultural
Q

How does Cuban black beans fit into the broader Cuban cuisine tradition?

A

Cuban cuisine balances savory, sweet, and acidic flavors; black beans provide the savory, protein‑rich component that pairs with the sweet notes of plantains and the acidity of citrus in many traditional dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Cuban black beans versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include black beans, green bell pepper, onion, garlic, bay leaf, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar. Acceptable substitutes are red bell pepper for color, vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian version, and apple cider vinegar instead of wine vinegar.

cultural
Q

What other Cuban dishes pair well with Cuban black beans?

A

Cuban black beans pair beautifully with arroz blanco (white rice), arroz con pollo (chicken and rice), lechón asado (roast pork), and maduros (fried sweet plantains).

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cuban black beans from a can?

A

Common mistakes include over‑cooking the beans until they fall apart, not seasoning enough after the liquid reduces, and forgetting to remove the bay leaves before serving, which can add a bitter note.

technical
Q

How do I know when the Cuban black beans are done cooking and the liquid is properly reduced?

A

The beans are done when they are tender but still hold their shape and the sauce has thickened to coat the beans, with only a thin glaze remaining in the pan.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Diablo Ruby & Bane specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Diablo Ruby & Bane specializes in quick, budget‑friendly home‑cooking tutorials that often feature pantry staples and creative twists on classic comfort foods.

channel
Q

What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Diablo Ruby & Bane?

A

Diablo Ruby & Bane focuses on straightforward, step‑by‑step instruction, emphasizing flavor development with minimal equipment, and encourages viewers to adapt recipes using ingredients they already have at home.

channel

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