Ham Black Bean Lime Cilantro (Printable Version)

Smoky ham and black beans combine with lime and cilantro for a rich, satisfying dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 cups cooked ham, diced

→ Legumes

02 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 large green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 large carrot, diced
08 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
09 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
10 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Liquids

11 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
17 - Salt to taste

→ Finishing and Garnish

18 - Juice of 2 limes plus lime wedges for serving
19 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large soup pot over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, carrot, and jalapeño. Cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced ham and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Mix in cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to activate spice flavors.
05 - Add black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, bay leaf, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Remove bay leaf. For creamier consistency, use immersion blender to partially puree soup, or transfer 2 cups to blender, puree, and return to pot.
07 - Stir in lime juice and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Serve hot garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Classic Cuban-inspired flavors featuring smoky ham and zesty lime.
  • Gluten-free and high in protein and fiber for a satisfying meal.
  • Simple, one-pot preparation that yields six generous servings.
  • Deeply aromatic thanks to the blooming of cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.
02 -
  • Always taste before adding salt, as ham and store-bought broth can already be quite salty.
  • Add the lime juice and cilantro at the very end to ensure the brightest possible flavor.
  • This soup tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to meld in the refrigerator.
  • If using store-bought ingredients, check labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free if needed.
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