Cubano Black Bean Salsa

My original recipe for Cuban style black beans comes from my godmother Bobbie and this recipe is a tribute to her along with my well wishes as she recuperates. She taught me so much about the Cuban and Key West style of cooking over the years. This salsa uses a variation of her basic black beans and combines them with more typical salsa ingredients for a very tasty alternative to the common tomato salsa we all know. Quick and easy to prepare I have opted to use a canned black bean rather than cooking the beans for salsa but you certainly can if you prefer. A perfect dish for Super Bowl Sunday in Miami this salsa reflects some of the hot and sexy Cuban flavors of the city well. If you are lucky enough to have any leftover try throwing them into an omelet for dinner the next day. I hope you enjoy.

Cubano Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients:

1/2 cup onions, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1 - 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed well

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. coriander

1 tsp. dried cilantro

1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 cup yellow bell peppers, diced

1 cup tomato, diced

1/2 avocado, diced

2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

2 limes, juiced

salt and pepper

Place a sauce pan on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, onions and garlic. Saute for about 2 or 3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the black beans, cumin, coriander, dried cilantro and red wine vinegar. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Combine the diced yellow bell pepper, tomato, avocado and fresh cilantro in a large bowl. Add the lime juice and remaining olive oil. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Add the cooled black beans and fold in taking care not to break up the beans. Chill well before serving. Garnish with a drizzle of additional red wine vinegar if desired prior to serving. Serve with Guilt Free Chips if desired. (see archives for recipe)

Nutrition Facts

32 - 1 1/2 Tablespoon Servings (about 3 cups total)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 39.0

Total Fat 1.8 g

Saturated Fat 0.3 g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.6 g

Cholesterol 0.0 mg

Sodium 1.4 mg

Potassium 81.5 mg

Total Carbohydrate 4.9 g

Dietary Fiber 1.9 g

Sugars 0.3 g

Protein 1.5 g