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Effortless Authentic Cuban Soup Recipe

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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!

Effortless Authentic Cuban Soup Recipe (1)

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

Effortless Authentic Cuban Soup Recipe (1)

How To Make Cuban White Bean Soup?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Put the ham hock meat back into the pot.
  4. 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.
  5. Add the sauteed onions and garlic to the pot along with the oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes and serve.

Effortless Authentic Cuban Soup Recipe (1)

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 (1)

Effortless Authentic Cuban Soup Recipe (1)

Effortless Authentic Cuban Soup Recipe

Creamy white beans and smoky ham hocks make a perfect flavor balance in this amazingly comforting, protein-packed soup!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
SOAK TIME:: 12 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 SERVINGS
Calories: 416kcal
Author: Katherine - Yummfully

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

Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 477mg | Potassium: 816mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 18mg

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.

Effortless Authentic Cuban Soup Recipe (1)

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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