Transport yourself to Havana with each spoonful of this one-pot Classic Cuban Soup. Using ham hocks and salt pork (optional), white beans are infused with smoky flavors that complement their creamy texture. You can customize it with your protein of choice and add bacon for that signature smoky flavor! This soup can be cooked ahead of time since it tastes better the next day!
Ingredients For Classic Cuban White Bean Soup
To make this Classic Cuban Soup you will need the:
- Great Northern white beans
- Bay leaves
- Salt pork or bacon
- Smoked ham hocks (look for meaty ones)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Cuban White Bean Soup?
- Soak the beans overnight. Drain and rinse them, and add them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add in the water, salt pork or bacon, ham hocks, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook for 90 minutes.
- Remove the ham hocks and salt pork. Discard the salt pork and shred the meat in the ham hocks. Discard the fat and bones on the ham hocks.
- Put the ham hock meat back into the pot.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, saute the chopped onions and garlic for 5 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the sauteed onions and garlic to the pot along with the oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes and serve.
Can This Soup Be Frozen?
You can. Let it cool completely before placing it into an airtight container or freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw out completely and reheat in a pot or in the microwave.
Effortless Authentic Cuban Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry Great Northern white beans
- 10 cups of water
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 smoked ham hocks (look for meaty ones)
- 6 oz salt pork or bacon
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight at room temperature. Drain and rinse them, and add them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the water, salt pork or bacon, ham hocks, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook for 90 minutes.
- Remove the ham hocks and salt pork. Discard the salt pork and shred the meat in the ham hocks. Discard the fat and bones on the ham hocks.
- Put the ham hock meat back into the pot.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, saute the chopped onions and garlic for 5 minutes or until translucent.
- Add the sauteed onions and garlic to the pot along with the oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, and serve.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Canned Beans?
You certainly can. You will need 3-4 cans. Make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
What if I Don’t Have Ham Hocks?
You can use a meaty ham bone, smoked sausage, or bacon instead. For a leaner version, use turkey bacon or smoked turkey legs, this way you get the same smoky flavor as when using ham hocks.
How Can I Make The Soup Thicker?
You can mash a few of the white beans and add this puree to the soup.
Can I Add Veggies?
You can add carrots, celery, spinach, kale, or your favorite veggies!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can use tofu instead of ham, and to provide a smoky flavor, add a bit of liquid smoke.