Cuban-Style Black Beans with Sofrito and Bay Leaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Cuban black bean dish simmered with a fragrant sofrito base and bay leaf for deep, layered flavors. This Latin American-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 105 minutes, pairs black beans, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups dried black beans and soak in 6 cups water overnight. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion, 1 medium finely chopped green bell pepper, and 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Cook for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and spices release aroma.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked black beans, 6 cups fresh water, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until beans are tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir in 1 tbsp red wine vinegar. Cook uncovered for 10 more minutes to thicken the broth.
  6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with white rice or warm tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cuban-Style Black Beans with Sofrito and Bay Leaf take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cuban-Style Black Beans with Sofrito and Bay Leaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cuban-Style Black Beans with Sofrito and Bay Leaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cuban-Style Black Beans with Sofrito and Bay Leaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cuban-Style Black Beans with Sofrito and Bay Leaf vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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