How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare the beans and pico de gallo up to a day in advance and store separately; assemble tacos just before serving.

What can I substitute for plantains?

If plantains are unavailable, ripe bananas can be used for a similar sweet flavor.

How should I reheat the tacos?

Reheat black beans gently on the stove and use a skillet to warm tortillas before assembling the tacos.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, using corn tortillas makes this dish naturally gluten-free!

Cuban Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Plantain Pico de Gallo

Name: Cuban Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Plantain Pico de Gallo
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups dried black beans; 1 onion; 3 garlic cloves; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; Salt and pepper; 2 ripe plantains; 1 tomato; 1/2 red onion; 1 jalapeño; Juice of 1 lime; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro; Salt; 8 corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

A flavor-packed Cuban twist on classic tacos

These vibrant tacos combine hearty black beans and sweet plantain pico de gallo for a delightful fusion of textures and traditional Cuban flavors.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Black Beans

2 cups dried black beans

soaked overnight

1 onion

finely chopped

3 garlic cloves

minced

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

Salt and pepper

to taste

For the Sweet Plantain Pico de Gallo

2 ripe plantains

peeled and diced

1 tomato

diced

1/2 red onion

finely chopped

1 jalapeño

seeds removed, minced

Juice of 1 lime

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

chopped

Salt

to taste

For the Tacos

8 corn tortillas

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

Preparation

Marinating the Black Beans

Drain and Rinse

Drain the soaked black beans and rinse well.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.

Combine Seasonings

Add black beans, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Preparing the Sweet Plantain Pico de Gallo

Mix Veggies

In a bowl, combine diced plantains, tomato, red onion, and jalapeño.

Add Lime & Cilantro

Squeeze in lime juice and add chopped cilantro.

Season and Rest

Season with salt and mix well. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Cooking Process

Simmering the Beans

Cover beans with water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cooking until tender (about 1 hour).

Timing: ~1 hour simmer. Heat: Medium-low heat.

Warming the Tortillas

Heat a dry skillet and warm each tortilla for 30 seconds per side.

Timing: ~5 minutes warming. Heat: Medium heat.

Combining Ingredients

Layer black beans on tortillas, top with pico de gallo and cabbage.

Plating & Serving