Cuban White Bean Soup Recipe

Introduction

Cuban White Bean Soup is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying dish that highlights the simple yet bold flavors of Cuban cuisine. This soup combines creamy white beans, smoky seasonings, and savory vegetables to create a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s an ideal choice for chilly nights, meal prepping for the week, or when you’re in the mood for something nourishing and delicious.

A staple in Cuban kitchens, White Bean Soup offers a balance of rich flavors and textures. The addition of ingredients like sofrito (a seasoned vegetable mix), ham, and spices adds depth and complexity, while the beans themselves provide a creamy, hearty base that makes the soup both filling and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or sharing a bowl with friends, this Cuban-inspired soup is sure to impress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, from gathering your ingredients to making the perfect Cuban White Bean Soup. We’ll also share helpful tips, variations, and ideas for serving the soup, ensuring that you make the most of this delicious and comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love Cuban White Bean Soup

• Bold Cuban Flavors: This soup offers a blend of smoky, savory, and aromatic ingredients that give it a distinctly Cuban flavor profile. The combination of garlic, onions, peppers, and spices makes this soup unforgettable.
• Hearty and Filling: The creamy white beans provide a comforting, filling base, while the addition of ham adds richness and flavor. It’s a soup that leaves you satisfied without feeling overly heavy.
• Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavors, Cuban White Bean Soup is simple to prepare. With basic ingredients and a few steps, you’ll have a hearty, homemade soup in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for preparing meals in advance. You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of extra spice, want to add more vegetables, or need a vegetarian version, this soup is versatile enough to accommodate various tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 7-9g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Protein: 12-15g
• Fiber: 8-10g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Cuban White Bean Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans (such as cannellini or great northern beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced ham (or a vegetarian alternative like tempeh or smoked tofu)
• 1 large tomato, chopped (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for a tangy kick)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Special Equipment

While making Cuban White Bean Soup doesn’t require specialized equipment, the right tools will help make the process easier and more efficient:

1. Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot is essential for making this soup. It allows you to sauté the vegetables and cook the soup without overcrowding the ingredients, ensuring even cooking.
2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon helps you stir the soup as it cooks, preventing ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot and allowing you to mix everything together evenly.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that the balance of spices, broth, and other ingredients is perfect, leading to the best flavor.
4. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife is essential for chopping vegetables and herbs efficiently, while a cutting board provides a stable surface for preparation.
5. Lid for the Pot: A lid will help the soup cook evenly and retain heat, speeding up the process while infusing the soup with all the rich flavors.
6. Citrus Juicer or Squeezer: If you’re using fresh lime juice, a juicer or squeezer will help you extract the juice easily, ensuring you get the perfect amount without the hassle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. The garlic will release its aromatic oils, creating a flavorful base for the soup.

2. Add the Spices

Once the garlic has softened, add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir the spices into the vegetables, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps toast the spices and enhances their flavors, making the soup even more aromatic and flavorful.

3. Add Broth and Beans

Next, pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version). Stir well to combine the broth with the vegetables and spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.

Add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. These beans provide a creamy texture and heartiness to the soup. Stir to incorporate the beans into the broth.

4. Add Ham and Tomatoes

Once the soup is simmering, add the diced ham (or your chosen vegetarian protein alternative) and chopped tomatoes to the pot. The ham will infuse the soup with a smoky, savory flavor, while the tomatoes add a bit of acidity to balance the richness.

Stir everything together and bring the soup back to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the beans will absorb the seasonings.

5. Season the Soup

After the soup has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that the flavors are balanced. If you prefer a little extra spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce at this point.

6. Finish with Lime Juice

For a fresh, tangy finish, squeeze in the lime juice just before serving. This step is optional but adds a nice pop of brightness that elevates the overall flavor of the soup.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving contains a good balance of beans, vegetables, and ham. Garnish the soup with a generous amount of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve the Cuban White Bean Soup hot with a side of crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cuban White Bean Soup

• Use Fresh Sofrito: If you want to add even more depth to the soup, make your own sofrito by sautéing onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes in olive oil. This homemade seasoning mix can replace store-bought versions and elevate the flavor even further.
• Customize the Protein: While ham is a traditional choice in Cuban White Bean Soup, you can easily substitute it with other proteins, such as turkey, smoked sausage, or a plant-based alternative like tempeh or smoked tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Rinse the Beans: Rinsing canned beans helps remove excess sodium and any canning liquid, ensuring a cleaner flavor and a more pleasant texture in the soup.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor. These vegetables will blend well with the beans and add more variety to the texture.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, you can add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the soup. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Variations of Cuban White Bean Soup

• Vegetarian Cuban White Bean Soup: Simply omit the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra plant-based protein, like tempeh or lentils, for a hearty and satisfying soup.
• Cuban Black Bean Soup: Swap the white beans for black beans to create a Cuban Black Bean Soup. You can follow the same recipe and seasonings, but black beans will offer a slightly richer, earthier flavor.
• Cuban White Bean Soup with Coconut Milk: For a creamier soup, add a can of full-fat coconut milk to the broth. This will give the soup a rich, velvety texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the beans and spices.
• Spicy Cuban White Bean Soup: For a bolder version, add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the vegetable mix. You can also incorporate a teaspoon of chipotle powder for smoky heat.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cuban White Bean Soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. After it has cooled completely, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave.

For longer storage, Cuban White Bean Soup freezes beautifully. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cuban White Bean Soup

Cuban White Bean Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that enhance its flavors:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the savory broth.
• Rice: Serve the soup with a side of steamed white rice or Cuban-style rice to make the meal even more filling and satisfying.
• Cuban-Style Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions dressed with olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice makes a fresh and tangy side dish.
• Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains (tostones or maduros) are a popular side dish in Cuban cuisine and complement the richness of the soup.

Print

Conclusion

Cuban White Bean Soup is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and a satisfying texture. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a nourishing meal, this soup is perfect for any time of year. Its rich, smoky flavors, combined with the creaminess of the beans, create a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it with friends, family, or on your own—it’s a bowl of warmth and love in every bite!