Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Black Beans
Slow-simmered black beans infused with aromatic spices and dark rum for a rich, soulful side dish. This caribbean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 130 minutes pairs dry black beans, water, dark rum for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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 dry black beans
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dry black beans thoroughly and soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the soaked beans, 4 cups water, 1 bay leaf, and 1/4 cup dark rum to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, remove bay leaf, and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 130 minutes (10 min prep + 120 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 Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Black Beans?
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 dry black beans from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Black Beans?
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 Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Black Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Dark Rum-Braised Caribbean Black Beans 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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