Cuban White Bean Soup Recipe From My Grandmother
Cuban white bean soup holds a special place in many Cuban homes. It is cherished for its rich comforting flavors that wrap you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
Known for its irresistibly creamy texture and smoky undertones, Cuban white bean soup brings together straightforward fresh ingredients like tender white beans, pungent garlic, sweet onions and unmistakable Cuban spices. What sets it apart from your everyday bean soups is its unique sofrito base and the addition of cured pork. These two punch up the flavor and give it that unmistakably Cuban soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Whip Up Some Cozy Cuban White Bean Soup
This recipe hinges on striking the right balance between hearty white beans and flavorful aromatics that make a dish sing. You will want creamy white beans like navy or great northern soaked overnight until they are soft and ready to absorb flavors. Classic Cuban spices such as cumin and oregano work their magic here by bringing a warm familiar undertone. The sofrito deepens the whole experience. Chorizo or smoked ham adds smoky richness and a good hit of protein. If you prefer, pork hocks or bacon make fine stand-ins. A handful of fresh cilantro or parsley adds a flash of brightness.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes | Selection Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| White beans | 2 cups | Navy or Great Northern beans | Look for plump, smooth dried beans that don’t feel like little rocks |
| Onion | 1 medium | Fresh | Yellow or white onions are your best bet for a touch of natural sweetness |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Fresh, minced | Steer clear of cloves that have started sprouting — they tend to be a bit bitter |
| Green bell pepper | 1 medium | Fresh | Firm and brightly colored peppers will really brighten things up |
| Tomato | 1 medium | Fresh or canned diced | Fresh tomatoes shine in season, but canned ones do the job year-round without complaint |
| Smoked ham or chorizo | 6 oz | Fresh or cured | A smoked ham leg or some Spanish chorizo usually brings the best punch of flavor |
| Cumin powder | 1 tsp | Ground | Fresh, good-quality cumin is key to waking up those wonderful aromas |
| Oregano | 1 tsp | Dried | Cuban or Mexican oregano tend to add just the right herbal kick |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves | Dried | Subtle but effective, they lend a nice depth without stealing the show |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Extra virgin preferred | A good-quality extra virgin olive oil can really make the Sofrito sing |
| Cilantro or Parsley | 2 tbsp chopped | Fresh | Toss in fresh herbs at the end for a bright, lively finish |
| Vinegar or lime juice | 1 tbsp | Fresh | A splash adds that perfect tang to cut through the richness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Freshly ground pepper | Take it slow here — you can always add more, but you can’t take it out |
| Water or broth | 6 cups | Low sodium broth preferred | Homemade chicken or vegetable broth usually brings the best, heartwarming base |
A Straightforward Guide to Whipping Up Cuban White Bean Soup
Start by soaking your dry white beans overnight so they become tender. While the beans soak, finely chop all your vegetables: dice the onions, mince the garlic, and carefully chop the pepper and tomatoes. Make sure you have your broth or some water ready.
Rinse those soaked white beans under cold water and set them aside for now.
Warm up some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, garlic and green bell pepper and cook until they’re soft and fragrant. About 5 minutes of lovely aroma fills the kitchen.
Stir in the diced tomato and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. This builds a rich sofrito base full of depth.
Add the chopped smoked ham or sliced chorizo. Let it infuse the dish with smoky goodness.
Drain the beans and add them to the pot. Give everything a good stir to marry those flavors.
Pour in 6 cups of water or low-sodium broth. Then toss in the bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper for perfect seasoning.
Bring the soup to a lively boil. Turn down the heat and let it simmer gently, stirring here and there for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beans are tender and everything has melded beautifully.
Just before serving, fish out the bay leaves. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Stir in freshly chopped cilantro or parsley along with a splash of vinegar or lime juice to brighten those flavors and add a little zing.
A bowl of freshly prepared Cuban white bean soup ready to serve.
Cooking times can vary depending on the type of beans and how hot your stove is. If they’re still tough after about two hours, don’t hesitate to add more water and let them simmer gently. For a richer texture try mashing a few beans against the side of the pot and stirring—it’s a simple trick that thickens the broth without any fuss.
Common Slip-Ups People Tend to Make When Whipping Up Cuban White Bean Soup
- Overcooking beans can be tricky. Instead of achieving a perfect creamy texture, they often break down into a mushy mess. They just give up on you.
- Skimping on seasoning little by little as the soup simmers can result in a flavor profile that feels flat and underwhelming.
- If you skip the sofrito step, you will miss out on that lovely depth and complexity because it is the secret sauce that makes everything sing.
- Using canned beans straight from the can without rinsing and draining adds extra salt and can significantly affect the texture.
- Not letting the soup rest before serving means you lose the chance for flavors to mingle and meld, which leaves the dish less satisfying than it could be.
If your soup turns out a bit too salty or on the bland side, a splash of unsalted broth or some water can work wonders to balance things out. When it’s gotten too thick for comfort, gently stir in a little extra broth as you reheat—it’s like giving your soup a second chance. If those beans are still playing hard to get and haven’t quite softened, just keep the pot simmering with the lid slightly ajar.
Suggestions for Serving and Pairing
Let's dive into some tasty ways to enjoy this—because a great dish deserves even better company on the plate. Whether you are aiming for a cozy night in or impressing guests, these serving tips and pairings will have you covered without breaking a sweat.
Serve Cuban white bean soup piping hot, finished off with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to give it that little extra pop. It pairs beautifully with classic Cuban staples like crusty Cuban bread—ideal for soaking up every last drop—or fresh side salads that feature creamy sliced avocado. If you’re craving something a bit more filling, yuca fries add a delightful crunch that hits the spot.
- Freshly baked Cuban bread brings a soft buttery touch that is just right for dunking and soaking up every last spoonful like a champ.
- A simple avocado salad tossed with lime juice and a pinch of salt livens up the palate and offers a refreshing counterpoint to the cozy warmth of the soup.
- Crispy yuca fries add that satisfying crunch and stand tall as a classic Cuban side that never disappoints.
- Bold Cuban coffee wraps things up with a bittersweet finish that perfectly balances the flavors and leaves you pleasantly energized.
Different Takes on Cuban White Bean Soup That Just Might Surprise You
Cuban white bean soup is surprisingly adaptable and can easily be customized to suit all sorts of diets and taste buds. If you’re aiming for something lighter, swapping smoked ham for lean chicken works nicely. You can skip the meat altogether if you want. You can boost the flavor with smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to keep things interesting. Don’t be shy about adjusting the spices either. Adding a bit more cumin or a touch of fresh chili can really wake things up. When it comes to texture, feel free to mash some beans for a creamier broth or add extra stock if you want something more broth-like and spoonable.
- Choose smoked ham to keep things classic and authentic or go for shredded chicken if you’re leaning toward something lighter on the palate.
- Smoked paprika, mushrooms or tempeh usually do a fantastic job of packing in that rich savory flavor you won’t want to miss.
- Crank up the heat with fresh jalapeños if you’re in the mood for a little kick or tone it down if you prefer to keep things mellow and easygoing.
- Play around with the texture by pureeing some beans to get that lovely creamy vibe or add an extra splash of broth if you’re craving something more on the soupy side.
This beloved Cuban white bean soup recipe lovingly captures the heart and soul of family tradition, echoing the warmth and vibrant spirit that define Cuban culture.
