Cuban-Style Rum-Infused Black Bean Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-18 · Updated 2026-06-18

Hearty black bean stew simmered with Cuban rum and spices, delivering a rich and warming flavor perfect for any occasion. This Caribbean-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 115 minutes, pairs dried 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 4, 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black beans
• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp dark Cuban rum
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dried black beans thoroughly and soak in water overnight. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 1 diced medium red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
4. Step 4: Add the soaked black beans, 4 cups water, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp dark Cuban rum, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes until beans are tender and stew thickens.
6. Step 6: Remove bay leaf, then stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with rice or crusty bread.