Cuban African Cream: Flavor and Tradition in One Dish
A hearty, rich, and character-filled recipe. African cream is one of those preparations that preserves the essence of Creole cuisine, where black beans are transformed into a smooth, thick, and aromatic dish. Its blend of spices, vegetables, and traditional cooking methods creates a comforting and nourishing meal.
🧾 Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups black beans
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 onion, cut in half
- 2 culantro leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 green bell pepper, cut in half
- 3 cachucha peppers, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dry cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Enough water
👨🍳 Preparation Method
1. Soak the beans
Place the black beans in a large pot with plenty of water. Add the halved onion, green bell pepper, culantro, and bay leaf. Let them soak for 12 hours to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook until tender
Transfer everything to a pressure cooker, keeping part of the soaking liquid and leaving a few inches of liquid above the beans. Cook for 35 minutes until tender.
3. Prepare the aromatic base
In a separate pot, add two tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cachucha peppers, allowing them to release their juices and develop flavor.
4. Add the seasonings
Stir in the crushed garlic along with the salt, cumin, and black pepper. Mix well to blend all the aromas and cook briefly until the sofrito becomes fragrant.
5. Combine both preparations
Carefully remove the herbs and large vegetables used during the bean cooking process. Pour the cooked beans and their broth into the pot with the sofrito.
6. Adjust the flavors
Add the sugar, vinegar, and dry cooking wine. Cook over medium-high heat until it begins to boil; then cover and reduce the heat.
7. Final cooking
Keep the mixture simmering over low heat for 15 minutes so all the flavors can blend and the broth thickens.
8. Blend and adjust texture
Let it cool slightly and blend the entire mixture until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a lighter consistency, add some of the reserved broth.
9. Heat and serve
Return the cream to the stove for a few minutes and drizzle a small amount of olive oil just before serving. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.
ℹ️ Recipe Information
- Yield: 6 servings
- Total time: 13 hours and 5 minutes
- Category: Creams & Purées
- Cuisine: Cuban
💡 Useful Tips
- If you want a smoother finish, strain the cream after blending.
- Small pieces of toasted bread make the perfect side accompaniment.
- The final drizzle of olive oil is essential to enhance the aroma and flavor of the dish.
📌 Suggested Tags
African cream, black bean soup, Cuban cuisine, traditional Cuban recipes, Creole cream
📣 Share Your Experience
If you decide to make this recipe, tell us how it turned out and what personal touches you added. Every kitchen leaves its own mark, and it is always worth sharing.
For the Spanish version, visit: Crema Africana Cubana: Plena de Sabor y Tradición.
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