If you love flavorful, tender black beans, this Pollo Tropical Black Beans Recipe is perfect. These beans are soft, creamy and packed with delicious Caribbean flavors. Many people ask how to make Pollo Tropical Black Beans at home.
The good news is it is very simple. You only need a few fresh ingredients, spices and a little patience. These beans are great as a side dish, over rice or even in salads and tacos. Knowing the ingredients for Pollo Tropical Black Beans helps you make this dish exactly like the restaurant version.
Making these beans at home is fun and rewarding. You get a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the onions and peppers. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners. Once you try it, these black beans might become your go-to side dish for family meals or gatherings.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret of Pollo Tropical Black Beans lies in slow cooking and using fresh aromatics. Onion, garlic, and bell peppers give a natural sweetness. A little cumin and oregano provide a warm, earthy flavor. The beans absorb all the spices while simmering, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Adding a small amount of chicken broth enhances the taste. Simmering slowly instead of boiling keeps the beans intact and soft without becoming mushy. A pinch of salt and black pepper at the end brings all flavors together beautifully.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Pollo Tropical Black Beans
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium pot or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Can opener
- Bowl for rinsing beans
Ingredients You Need for Pollo Tropical Black Beans
- 2 cans (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil
Pour olive oil into a medium pot over medium heat. Heat until it shimmers, ready for vegetables. - Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft and aromatic. - Add Bell Peppers
Stir in red and green bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender but still colorful. - Add Spices
Mix in cumin, oregano, black pepper and salt. Stir well to coat vegetables with spices evenly. - Add Black Beans
Add drained and rinsed black beans to the pot. Stir gently to combine with vegetables. - Pour Broth
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Mix well and bring to a low simmer over medium heat. - Simmer Slowly
Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Adjust Seasoning
Taste the beans. Add extra salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Stir gently and cook 5 more minutes. - Serve Warm
Serve beans hot as a side dish or over rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use dried beans soaked overnight for an even richer flavor.
- Add a splash of lime juice before serving for brightness.
- Include a diced tomato for extra color and taste.
- For a smoky flavor, add a small piece of smoked paprika or chipotle pepper.
- Cook beans in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours for deep flavor.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pollo Tropical Black Beans with white or yellow rice. They also pair well with grilled chicken, fish or roasted vegetables. You can use them in tacos, burritos or salads for a Caribbean twist.
Sprinkle fresh cilantro or diced onions for added flavor. These beans are perfect for family dinners or casual meals with friends.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through.
Pollo Tropical Black Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cans 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar optional, for sweetness
Instructions
Heat Olive Oil
- Pour olive oil into a medium pot over medium heat. Heat until it shimmers, ready for vegetables.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft and aromatic.
Add Bell Peppers
- Stir in red and green bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender but still colorful.
Add Spices
- Mix in cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to coat vegetables with spices evenly.
Add Black Beans
- Add drained and rinsed black beans to the pot. Stir gently to combine with vegetables.
Pour Broth
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Mix well and bring to a low simmer over medium heat.
Simmer Slowly
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the beans. Add extra salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Stir gently and cook 5 more minutes.
Serve Warm
- Serve beans hot as a side dish or over rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use dried beans soaked overnight for an even richer flavor.
- Add a splash of lime juice before serving for brightness.
- Include a diced tomato for extra color and taste.
- For a smoky flavor, add a small piece of smoked paprika or chipotle pepper.
- Cook beans in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours for deep flavor.
FAQs about Pollo Tropical Black Beans
Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The beans remain flavorful and rich.
Q2: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, soak dried beans overnight. Cook them until tender before following this recipe.
Q3: How spicy are these black beans?
This recipe is mild. Add chili flakes or diced jalapeño for heat if desired.
Q4: Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté vegetables first, then combine with beans, broth and spices. Cook on low 4-6 hours.
Q5: How long do these beans last after cooking?
Stored properly in the fridge, they last up to 4 days. Freezing extends storage up to 3 months.
Conclusion
The Pollo Tropical Black Beans Recipe is simple, delicious and full of Caribbean flavors. Learning how to make Pollo Tropical Black Beans helps you enjoy a restaurant-style side dish at home.
Using fresh vegetables, spices and tender beans creates a rich, creamy dish everyone will love. Follow the ingredients for Pollo Tropical Black Beans carefully to get the best flavor.
Serve them with rice, chicken or in tacos for a complete meal. This recipe is easy, tasty, and perfect for family dinners. Try it today and enjoy every bite of these flavorful beans!
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.