Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Chop your onion, garlic, scallions, and red bell pepper. Set them aside. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smooth.

In a medium saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. The aroma of onions cooking will fill your kitchen.

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned—stay on guard!

Throw in the chopped red bell pepper and scallions. Stir everything together, letting the colorful veggies mix into the onion and garlic base. Cook for about 3-5 minutes. This blend will create a fantastic foundation for your beans.

Pour in the undrained can of black beans. Add ½ cup of water along with the bay leaf, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Stir to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

Let your mixture cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally, and if it becomes too thick, add more water. Once it simmers, remove the bay leaf and add the red wine vinegar, lime juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go. You may want a pinch more of this or that!

Just before serving, mix in the chopped fresh cilantro. This will add a bright pop of freshness that beautifully complements the rest of the ingredients.

Serve your Easy Cuban Style Black Beans hot. They can be enjoyed with rice, tortillas, or even by themselves. Don’t forget to take a moment and appreciate the vibrant colors and aromas as you set the table!