Hey friends!
Craving a warm, hearty soup? I’ve got just the thing for you!
Today, I’m thrilled to share my Cuban tomato and black bean soup recipe.
It’s packed with flavor, super filling, and best of all, it’s easy to whip up.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or to meal prep for the week.
You’re gonna love every spoonful! Let’s dive in!
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 180-240 minutes |
| Total Time | 195-260 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 jalapeno pepper (finely minced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 carton unsalted chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
- 1 cup chopped onion (yellow or white)
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 tsp dried oregano (crushed between your fingers to release aroma)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cans black beans (reduced sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (Bragg Organic is my favorite)
For the garnish:
- plain greek yogurt (fat-free preferred)
- lime wedges
- sliced green onions (for a fresh, mild onion flavor)
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Beans
Begin by taking a small mixing bowl and mashing one can of beans until they are nearly smooth.
This will help create a thick texture for the soup.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the mashed beans with another can of whole beans.
Add the next 13 ingredients (up to black pepper) according to your recipe.
The combination of flavors will blend beautifully as the soup cooks.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
This slow cooking process will allow all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and flavorful soup.
Step 4: Remove and Handle the Ham Hock
Once the soup has finished cooking, remove the ham hock from the slow cooker.
If desired, cut the meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup.
Discard the bone.
This step will add heartiness and depth to your soup.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of yogurt.
Sprinkle green onions on top for a fresh and vibrant garnish.
Serve the soup with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
The lime juice will add a zest of freshness to each bowl.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting bowl of soup!
