Description
Habichuelas Guisadas is a classic Dominican dish made with red beans, vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a rich and savory stew. It’s often served with white rice and is a hearty, comforting meal.
Ingredients
2 cups dried red beans (or 3 cans of cooked red beans, drained and rinsed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large tomato, chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the beans: If using dried beans, rinse them well and soak them overnight. After soaking, drain and set aside. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them before use.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the chopped tomato, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the spices to become fragrant.
- Cook the beans: Add the soaked beans (or canned beans) to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours if using dried beans, or 30 minutes if using canned beans. Stir occasionally, and add more water or broth if necessary to keep the beans covered with liquid.
- Add vinegar and adjust seasoning: Once the beans are tender, stir in the vinegar to balance the flavors. Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh cilantro, if using. Serve the Habichuelas Guisadas hot over white rice.
Notes
- For a heartier version, you can add beef, or chicken to the stew. Dominican-style pork or smoked sausage are popular options.
- If you like heat, add a sliced chili pepper, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a small portion of the beans or blend some of them and return them to the pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (for canned beans) or 10 minutes plus overnight soaking (for dried beans)
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours (if using dried beans) or 45 minutes (if using canned beans)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: Dominican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
