She Strengthens

Cuban Fusion Feast

Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Havana with this mouthwatering Cuban-inspired dish. Pair it with our Cuban Sandwich recipe for a night to remember!

Essential Ingredients

• Unsweetened coconut milk (Thai brands work best)
• Well-mottled or black plantains for added sweetness

Game Plan

Start by soaking the black beans overnight to ensure they’re tender and ready for the next day’s cooking.

Black Beans with Smoked Bacon and Spices

This flavorful dish serves 8 and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to prepare, plus overnight soaking for the beans.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups dried black beans, soaked overnight
• 1/4 cup cubed smoked bacon
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeño
• 1/4 cup finely chopped poblano pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tablespoon cumin seed, freshly toasted and ground
• 1/2 tablespoon coriander seed, freshly toasted and ground
• 2 1/2 quarts (10 cups) low-salt chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water

Instructions:

1. Sauté bacon with canola oil until crispy, then add chopped vegetables and cook until tender.
2. Add soaked black beans, bay leaf, cumin, coriander, and broth to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/4 hours or until beans are tender.
3. Strain beans, reserving cooking liquid, and return liquid to the stove to reduce by half. Stir back into the cooling beans and season with salt and black pepper.

Coconut Rice

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 cup finely chopped red onion
• 4 cups water
• 4 cups unsweetened coconut milk
• 4 cups long-grain white rice
• Ground white pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat canola oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and cook until soft.
2. Add water, coconut milk, and rice to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, and fluff with a fork.

Crispy Fried Plantains

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Peel and quarter plantains, then slice into 8 pieces each.
2. Melt butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add plantains and sauté until tender and golden. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Drain on paper towels and serve alongside beans and coconut rice.

Assembly and Serve

Combine cooked black beans with coconut rice and crispy fried plantains for a flavorful and satisfying Cuban-inspired feast!