Quick Frijoles Negros / Cuban Black Beans

More often than not, I don’t have the time or the foresight to soak dried beans overnight and cook them for 6-8 hours the next day like my grandmother used to. This recipe tastes like you’ve been slaving away all day in the kitchen, but is quick and easy enough to cook on a work night. When I moved out on my own, the first recipe I … Continue reading Quick Frijoles Negros / Cuban Black Beans

Black Eyed Peas aka Hoppin’ John

Happy New Year! Celebrating the turning of the page of the calendar fills most of us with hope, ambition and the intangible feeling of what could be. It allows us to dream big and make promises to ourselves and to others without our usual skepticism or cynicism. Oh the possibilities! The truth is every new day is an opportunity to get closer to a goal, make progress towards a dream, … Continue reading Black Eyed Peas aka Hoppin’ John

Smoky Split Pea Stew (Cuban Chícharos)

My grandfather was one of eleven brothers and sisters, and my grandmother had six brothers. It was common place for their houses to be filled regularly with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and every other family member imaginable. This made dinner time quite challenging. Family meals were often scrounged together from limited resources,  and they felt fortunate on the instances when meat was included with … Continue reading Smoky Split Pea Stew (Cuban Chícharos)

Easy Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)

When I think of black beans I think of my abuelita, slaving over a cazuela all day, stirring and sweating making sure that it was just right. My grandfather would come into the kitchen periodically stick a spoon into the broth and say “a little more salt,” in Spanish of course; then they’d give each other a besito and she’d add the salt and he’d … Continue reading Easy Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)

Veggiestrone Soup

Original recipe by Wendy Roupp of Eating Well magazine I found this recipe a few years ago and it has been a lifesaver. To make it my own I’ve added a lot of seasoning and extra beans to make this recipe even more delicious than the original. This soup is extremely satisfying and flavorful. It makes enough to feed an army, so if you don’t have … Continue reading Veggiestrone Soup

Pot Roast (Kinda Carne con Papa)

Before I became vegetarian, I remember saying I could never be a vegetarian because I couldn’t imagine giving up Carne Con Papa. So deep was my love of this classic Cuban comfort food. Carne Con Papa is akin to American Pot Roast with a few key differences: white wine vs. red, and cumin and oregano vs. rosemary and thyme . Cubans like Americans are very keen on … Continue reading Pot Roast (Kinda Carne con Papa)

Tomato Bisque

I am a big fan of tomato bisque soup. I love the heartiness and warmth, and the way it fills your tummy and leaves you feeling satisfied. I find that few other soups leave you feeling like you’ve eaten a complete meal. I have tasted many restaurant and store bought variations of this soup, and there is a delicate balance between the acidity of the tomatoes and the … Continue reading Tomato Bisque

Cuban Chik’n Stew (Fricasé de Fauxllo)

Inspired by my abuelito’s Fricasé de pollo and the Neelys Get Yo Man Chicken In most Cuban households, food is serious business; and my family was no exception. Pride was taken in every meal. My grandparents would spend hours cooking huge cazuelas of food for family, extended family and whatever friends happened to be stopping by (and there were always friends stopping by.) Some of my fondest … Continue reading Cuban Chik’n Stew (Fricasé de Fauxllo)