Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Karen

Cuban Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock is made with black beans simmered with smoked ham hocks and aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spices. The infusion of flavors creates a deeply satisfying and robust soup.

Today, I’m sharing a recipe for an authentic Cuban dish – Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock! This classic recipe brings together the rich flavors of black beans and the smoky essence of ham hock for a comforting, soul-warming experience.

Cuban cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, resulting in a rich collection flavors and dishes. Black Bean Soup holds a special place as a traditional favorite. Rooted in Cuban heritage, this soup combines simple ingredients to create a bowl of pure comfort.

This Cuban Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock is a celebration of savory Cuban flavors, tender beans, and rich, smoky ham. The melding of flavors and the heartiness of this soup make it a perfect addition to your comfort food repertoire.

What is Cuban Black Bean Soup?

Cuban Black Bean Soup, or “Sopa de Frijoles Negros,” is a traditional dish originating from Cuba. It’s a flavorful, hearty soup made primarily with black beans, seasoned with a blend of spices, and often includes meat, such as smoked ham hock or bacon, to enhance its rich, savory taste.

This soup is not only delicious but also a reflection of the vibrant and diverse culinary heritage of Cuba, showcasing the country’s love for bold flavors and comforting dishes.

Traditional Cuban Black Bean Soup is known for its creamy texture, achieved as the beans break down during the cooking process, creating a thick and comforting consistency. Some variations might include pureeing a portion of the soup to create a smoother texture, while others keep the beans whole for a heartier feel.

What ingredients do you need to make this Cuban Black Bean Soup?

The ingredients for this recipe are really simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dried black beans: Soaked overnight, which helps soften them and reduce the cooking time.

Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil

Yellow onion: White onions would work as well

Garlic: Freshly minced or garlic from a jar works. I don’t recommend using garlic powder as a substitute in this recipe though.

Cumin: Ground cumin adds a depth of flavor.

Cumin seeds: Whole cumin seeds are often toasted or dry-roasted before use, which intensifies their aroma and releases their essential oils, resulting in a more robust flavor. If you don’t have cumin seeds, you can add 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin in additional to the 1 teaspoon the recipe calls for.

Dried oregano

Bay leaves

Chicken stock or water

Smoked ham hocks: The addition of a smoked ham hock adds a smoky essence and depth to the soup.

Fresh cilantro: For garnish

Lime juice: For garnish. You can also serve the soup with lime wedges.

What are smoked ham hocks? What can I use instead of smoked ham hocks?

Smoked ham hocks are cuts of pork that come from the area above the pig’s foot, typically cured and smoked, giving them a distinct smoky flavor profile. They are pretty inexpensive and packed with flavor.

They’re excellent for flavoring dishes made with beans or legumes, such as lentils, navy beans, or pinto beans. Ham hocks are usually simmered along with the beans, imparting its flavors into the broth while also contributing a tender, succulent element to the dish. If you can’t find smoked ham hocks, you can substitute with smoked turkey legs or wings, or bacon.

What’s the difference between ground cumin and whole cumin seeds?

Cumin seeds are the whole seeds, with warm, earthy, slightly nutty flavor. You can use them as-is or toast them for a flavor boost. They are great for longer-cooking dishes like soups. Ground cumin is just those same seeds but ground into a powder. It’s got that same flavor but more intense. Super handy for quick-cooking dishes or when you want that smooth texture. Use it in spice blends, rubs, or wherever you need that cumin kick without the extra steps.

When using cumin seeds versus ground cumin in recipes, consider that whole seeds are best suited for longer-cooking dishes where they have time to release their flavors, such as soups, stews, or rice dishes. Ground cumin is more suitable for dishes that require a shorter cooking time or where a smoother texture is preferred, like sauces, dressings, or marinades. Both forms offer the distinct and delightful taste of cumin but have different applications in cooking.

How to make Cuban Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock

Once you have all of your ingredients chopped and prepped, cooking this Cuban Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock is very simple:

Rinse the black beans thoroughly and soak them overnight in a large bowl covered with water. This helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time.
In a large pot, saute the onions and bell peppers in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add the garlic and spices and cook for an additional minute.
Add water or chicken stock, ham hocks, and soaked beans, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the beans are tender, about 1.5 hours.
Remove ham hocks and shred the meat. Return the meat to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the Cuban Black Bean Soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for a burst of freshness and citrusy flavor.

How do I serve the Cuban Black Bean Soup?

You can serve with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream to add brightness or creaminess to the soup. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a starter or a main course. This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy white rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavors.

What if I don’t have time to pre-soak the black beans?

Soaking the beans overnight shortens the cooking time. If you haven’t had a chance to do that, you can put the beans in a pot covered with water, bring it to a boil, and remove from heat. Set it aside for at least an hour, rinse, drain, and continue with the recipe instructions.

Here are some ways you can change up this recipe:

– For a touch of creaminess, you can blend a portion of the soup (before adding the ham back to the pot) until smooth and mix it back into the pot before serving.

– Adjust spices to suit your taste preferences. – Add a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle peppers to the soup for a smoky kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.

– Omit the smoked ham hocks and use vegetable broth for a vegan version. A few drops of liquid smoke added to the soup can mimic the smoky flavor without using any meat.

– Use smoked turkey legs or smoked bacon instead of smoked ham hock.

– If available, smoked sausage or smoked turkey sausage can be used as an alternative. These meats can lend a smoky flavor to the dish.

What are some ways to serve Cuban Black Bean Soup?

Cuban Black Bean Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Classic Style: Serve the soup in a bowl as a standalone dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and perhaps a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
With Rice: Ladle the soup over a bowl of steamed white rice or brown rice. The combination of the flavorful soup and the fluffy rice makes for a satisfying and complete meal.
Crusty Bread or Tortillas: Accompany the soup with slices of crusty bread, such as Cuban bread or French baguette, or cornbread, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. Warm tortillas also pair excellently with this soup.
Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with various options like diced avocado, chopped fresh tomatoes, diced onions, shredded cheese (such as queso fresco or cheddar), and extra lime wedges. Allow guests to customize their soup to their liking.
As a Side: Serve smaller portions of the soup as a side dish alongside meat dishes such as Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa, Crockpot Pork Carnitas Tacos with Pico de Gallo, roasted vegetables, or your favorite Cuban or Latin American main courses. I like to use it as a side dish for part of a burrito bowl too!
Pairing with Salad: Enjoy the soup as part of a lighter meal by pairing it with a fresh green salad. The soup’s heartiness complements the crispness of the salad.

How should Cuban Black Bean Soup be stored?

Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can you freeze this Ham Hock Soup?

Of course! Cuban Black Bean Soup reheats well and can be a convenient meal option when you need something quick and satisfying. To freeze, transfer to an airtight freezer-safe storage container or freezer ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Can you make Cuban Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely! The Instant Pot can significantly speed up the cooking process for Cuban Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock. Here’s how you can adapt the recipe:

Saute the veggies and spices in the Instant Pot using the “Saute” mode.
Add the rest of the ingredients, but make sure to reduce the liquid to 6 cups instead of 8 cups. Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the manual or pressure cook setting on high. Cook for 45 minutes.
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 15-20 minutes before carefully performing a quick release.
Shred meat and return to the pot. Season and garnish before serving.

Feel free to adjust the cooking time based on your Instant Pot’s specific model and settings. Instant Pot cooking can vary, so always ensure the beans are adequately cooked before proceeding.

Cuban Black Bean Soup’s versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a gathering with friends, or even as a starter for a larger meal. The flavors are robust enough to stand alone or complement other dishes. Feel free to get creative and explore different serving styles to suit your preferences!

If you make this Cuban Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock recipe or any of my other recipes, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Print Pin

5 from 1 vote