Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain Stew
A hearty, flavorful stew combining tender black beans and sweet plantains with aromatic spices for a comforting Caribbean meal. This caribbean-inspired vegan ready in about 40 minutes pairs black beans (canned, drained), medium ripe plantains, peeled and diced, 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
- 2 cups black beans (canned, drained)
- 2 medium ripe plantains, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 1 diced green bell pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute to release aromas.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups drained black beans, 2 diced ripe plantains, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until plantains are tender and stew thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain Stew take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain 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 black beans (canned, drained) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain 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 Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain 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.
What goes well with Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain Stew?
Caribbean vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
