Spicy Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham

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

A hearty black bean soup simmered with smoky ham, garlic, and cumin, finished with a splash of lime for brightness. This caribbean-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs cooked black beans, smoked ham, diced, medium yellow onion, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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: 35 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried oregano to the onions and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup diced smoked ham and cook for 2 minutes to release flavors.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups cooked black beans and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Using an immersion blender, partially puree the soup until it thickens but still has some texture, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and heat through for 2 more minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot topped with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Spicy Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham?

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 cooked black beans from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham?

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 Spicy Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham 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 Spicy Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham?

Caribbean soups 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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