Sofrito…… I love the sound of the word and what it does for the flavor of food. Many Cuban dishes use a sofrito as their basis. The sofrito consists of onion, green pepper, garlic, oregano, and ground pepper quick-fried in olive oil. It is used when cooking black beans, tomato sauces, grilled meats and stews and it’s what makes the food have the uniquely Cuban flavor that is so recognizable.
When I think of these beans one thought leads to another and it reminds me of our friends Martha and Jose and the great times we have had lingering over conversation and wine while these beans simmer on the stove. They can simmer for hours if you get lost in your stories, just add more chicken broth and let the stories flow.
Cuban Style Black Beans
Ingredients:
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp oregano
2 – 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro (more to taste)
1 package Goya Sazon – no salt
1 cup chicken broth ( add more depending on thickness desired)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro and some for garnish on top
Cotija Cheese
Directions:
Saute onions, garlic, bell pepper in olive oil in a large deep skillet until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle in the oregano and saute 1 minute. Add black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, chicken broth and Goya Sazon packet. Simmer until flavors meld together, at least 30 minutes. Serve topped with fresh cilantro and cotija cheese.
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 – 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro (more to taste)
- 1 package Goya Sazon - no salt
- 1 cup chicken broth ( add more depending on thickness desired)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and some for garnish on top
- Cotija Cheese
- Saute onions, garlic, bell pepper in olive oil in a large deep skillet until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle in the oregano and saute 1 minute.
- Add black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, chicken broth and Goya Sazon packet.
- Simmer until flavors meld together, at least 30 minutes.
- Serve topped with fresh cilantro and cotija cheese.
