Spiced Rum Braised Black Beans with Smoked Paprika

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

Hearty black beans slow-cooked in spiced rum with smoked paprika and aromatics, perfect as a flavorful side or vegan main. This latin american-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 130 minutes pairs dried black beans, spiced rum, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 10 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and soak 1 cup dried black beans in cold water overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain before cooking.
  2. 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 softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked beans, 1/4 cup spiced rum, and 3 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours until beans are tender.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Rum Braised Black Beans with Smoked Paprika 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 Spiced Rum Braised Black Beans with Smoked Paprika?

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 dried black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rum Braised Black Beans with Smoked Paprika?

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 Rum Braised Black Beans with Smoked Paprika 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 Spiced Rum Braised Black Beans with Smoked Paprika 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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