Spiced Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain Stew

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

A hearty and flavorful stew combining tender black beans with sweet plantains and warm spices, inspired by Dominican flavors. This latin american-inspired vegan ready in about 45 minutes pairs black beans (cooked or canned, drained), medium, chopped yellow onion, medium, chopped green bell pepper 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped medium yellow onion, 1 chopped medium green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until the spices bloom.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups cooked black beans, 2 diced ripe plantains, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until plantains are tender and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Spiced 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 medium, chopped yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced Dominican-Style Black Bean and Plantain Stew?

Latin American 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.

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