Flavorful black beans cooked in an aromatic sofrito made from onions, peppers, and garlic. Accompanied by sweet plantains, savory tofu, and refreshing avocado, all tied together with fresh lime and cilantro for a true Caribbean flavor.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Familiarity: Black beans, rice, and maduros always scratches the itch for Cuban comfort-food.
- Nutritious: Filled with protein and fiber.
- Delicious: Savory, salty, creamy, sweet, and citrusy. This bowl has all the delicious Caribbean flavors we grew up on.
- Weeknight Friendly: Canned beans, frozen plantains, and microwavable rice are great shortcuts.
- Make it Your Own: Add whatever veggies you have, switch the grain, or make the beans ahead.
Ingredients for Tofu and Black Beans
- Black beans
- Tofu
- Soy sauce or Tamari for gluten-free
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Bay leaf
- Salt
- Olive oil
Instructions
- In a pan over medium-high heat, make a sofrito by cooking the onion, garlic and pepper. Add the spices, then add bay leaf and whole can of black beans, including the liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer and allow the flavors to develop.
- While the beans cook, prep the tofu.
- Drain a block of tofu, squeeze as much liquid from the block as you can using your hands. Cut the tofu into cubes and season with soy sauce, garlic powder, and olive oil.
- In an air-fryer, toss the tofu and cook until exterior is golden brown.
- Serve with rice and sweet plantains.
Tips
- Quicker meal: use canned beans and frozen plantains.
- More protein: swap rice for quinoa.
Pairing Suggestions
- Drinks: Tinto de Verano or Sangria
- Toppings: Peruvian Salsa Criolla
Want More Cuban Comfort Food?
- Hongos con Papas (Cuban Potatoes and Mushrooms)
- Vegan Cuban Picadillo
- Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso
- Pastelitos de "Carne"
Servings: 2
Ingredients
Black Beans
- 1 can Black Beans
- ½ Onion diced
- ½ Bell Pepper
- 2 cloves Garlic chopped
- ½ tsp Cumin
- ½ tsp Oregano
- 1 Bay leaf
- ½ tsp Salt
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil for sautéing
Tofu
- 1 block Firm tofu
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce or Tamari for gluten-free
- ½ Tbsp Garlic powder
- drizzle Olive oil
Serve With
- Rice stove-top recipe
- Platano Maduro (sweet plantains) recipe
- Avocado
- Fresh lime
- Cilantro
Instructions
Black Beans
- Gather all ingredients. Dice ½ Onion,½ Bell Pepper and chop 2 cloves Garlic.
- In a large pot, heat 2 Tbsp Olive oil and saute the onion and pepper until soft. Add garlic, ½ tsp Cumin, ½ tsp Oregano, and ½ tsp Salt. Cook for a few seconds, then add 1 Bay leaf and 1 can Black Beans with the liquid.
- Cook on a low simmer for 6 - 8 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tofu
- Remove as much liquid from 1 block Firm tofu block by giving it a gentle squeeze with your hands. Cut the tofu into cubes, and toss in a bowl with 3 Tbsp Soy sauce, ½ Tbsp Garlic powder, and a drizzle Olive oil. Mix until tofu is coated.
- Air-fry: 400 °F for 10-15 minutes giving it a toss midway through the cooking.Oven: In a baking sheet, line the tofu cubes and bake at 425 °F for 15-20 minutes, or until crisp.
Notes
For even more protein, swap rice with quinoa.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
