Caribbean Spiced Black Beans

Looking to add a taste of the tropics to your weeknight dinner routine? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Caribbean Spiced Black Beans. Packed with vibrant flavors and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to transport you to a sunny beach with every bite. Whether you serve it as a delicious side or a hearty main course, these spiced black beans are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:
– 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, ground allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
4. Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the aromatic spices.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the beans to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to suit your preferences.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the Caribbean spiced black beans.
8. Serve the black beans hot with a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top. Enjoy as a flavorful side dish or over steamed rice for a satisfying main course.

These Caribbean Spiced Black Beans are a wonderful way to infuse a taste of the islands into your meals. The combination of aromatic spices, tender black beans, and colorful bell peppers creates a dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Get ready to savor the flavors of the Caribbean in the comfort of your own home with this easy and flavorful recipe.