A modern home-style main dishes recipe inspired by the pantry and cooking traditions of Cuba, using allspice, thyme and familiar everyday ingredients.
Prepare the kidney beans according to whether it is dried or canned
Cook onion and garlic until soft
Add tomatoes and allspice
Add the kidney beans and water
Simmer until thick and well flavored
Stir in thyme just before serving
The cooking traditions of Cuba are diverse, so Kidney Beans Pot with Herbs from Cuba should be read as a practical contemporary recipe inspired by that culinary setting.
This version emphasizes practical ingredients: tomatoes, kidney beans and thyme, supported by allspice for depth.
The recipe uses plantain, tomatoes and thyme as recognizable building blocks, with allspice and chili providing the main aromatic direction.
The recipe is portioned for a typical shared meal and can be served with plantain, fresh vegetables or a simple side according to the style of the dish.
The proportions below are standardized for repeatable home cooking. A local cook may prepare a related dish very differently, especially in choice of vegetables, spice intensity and accompaniments.
4 servings