Cuban Black Bean And Ham Soup

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Cuban Black Bean And Ham Soup to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Cuban Black Bean And Ham Soup, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

• Prep Time: 1 ½ Hours
• Yields: 6-8 Servings
• Comment:
• Beans are a naturally low-fat food and
• they contain many essential nutrients,
• such as fiber and iron. In this recipe, we
• have combined beans with great tasting
• herbs and vegetables, creating a
• wonderful soup that has less than 3
• grams of fat per serving.
• Ingredients:
• ● 3 (15-ounce) cans black beans, undrained
• ● 1 pound lean or low-fat cubed ham
• ● 1 tbsp olive oil
• ● 1 cup diced onions
• ● ¾ cup diced red bell peppers
• ● 2 tbsps minced garlic
• ● ½ tsp ground cumin
• ● 3 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro
• ● ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ● 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes
• ● 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• ● 2 quarts fat-free chicken stock
• ● salt and black pepper to taste
• ● low-fat or fat-free sour cream
• ● cilantro for garnish

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

• Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
• Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
• Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Method: In a 5-quart stockpot, heat oil over medium-high heat

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Add onions, red bell peppers and garlic

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Sauté vegetables for 3-5 minutes or until softened

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Stir in ham and cook 2-3 minutes or until slightly brown around the edges

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Season with cumin, cilantro and thyme

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Sauté for 1 minute to allow spices to toast