Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Black Bean Stew
Hearty black beans simmered with dark rum and warm Caribbean spices, creating a rich, aromatic stew perfect as a comforting vegan main dish. This caribbean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 125 minutes pairs soaked overnight dried black beans, dark rum, large, diced yellow onion 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, soaked overnight dried black beans
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and rinse 1 cup soaked dried black beans. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced large yellow onion and 1 diced red bell pepper, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup dark rum and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 4: Add black beans and 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours until beans are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 5: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving to add brightness and fresh herb flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Black Bean Stew take to make?
Total time is about 125 minutes (15 min prep + 110 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-Spiced Caribbean Black Bean Stew?
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 dark rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Dark Rum-Spiced Caribbean Black Bean Stew?
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-Spiced Caribbean Black Bean Stew 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-Spiced Caribbean Black Bean Stew 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.
