A Sassy Spoon

The Best Traditional Cuban Side Dishes

Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)

01

Sweet plantains are made from ripe green plantains that are sliced and then fried until tender in the middle and crisp on the edges.

How To Make Tostones (Twice-Fried Green Plantains)

02

Tostones are a classic Latin staple but if you want to give them a Cuban twist, serve with a Cuban garlic mojo dipping sauce! 

Frijoles Negros (Cuban Black Beans)

03

These frijoles negros are a silky smooth black bean recipe cooked to perfection. The most flavorful Cuban side dish served with white rice!

Cuban Yuca con Mojo

04

A simple boiled yuca recipe made Cuban-style with homemade citrus-garlic mojo sauce. Learn how to make this popular Cuban staple from start to finish in just a few easy steps!

Arroz Blanco (How To Make White Rice)

05

Arroz Blanco is an easy white rice side dish typically served with Cuban black beans or Cuban picadillo. Ready in 25 minutes with just 4 ingredients!

Frijoles Colorados (Authentic Cuban Red Beans)

06

Frijoles Colorados is a smoky, hearty bean dish made with dried red kidney beans, chorizo, ham, sofrito, spices, squash, and potatoes.

Moros y Cristianos /Arroz Congri (Cuban Black Beans + Rice)

07

Congri is a flavorful Cuban black beans and rice side dish made with long-grain rice, black beans, bacon, and spices.

Caldo Gallego (Galician White Bean Soup)

08

A hearty Galician white bean soup made with cannellini beans, smoked ham, chorizo, bacon, potatoes, and collard greens in a chicken broth.

Easy Arroz Amarillo (Spanish Yellow Rice)

09

This 30-minute yellow rice recipe is a classic staple in Cuban cuisine and a delicious Cuban side dish for pork, ham, chicken, beef, or fish.

Sopa de Chicharos (Cuban Split Pea Soup)

10

Sopa de Chicharos is hearty, thick Cuban split pea soup made from scratch in one pot loaded with smoked ham, squash, and potatoes.