Habichuelas Red Beans Recipes

DOMINICAN BEANS

Steps:

• Put beans in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot and cover them with water so there's 2 inches over them (10 cups).
• Soak overnight, but don't drain.
• Next day, cover and seal the pressure cooker (or Instant Pot) over medium heat, when the pot comes to pressure cook high pressure 20 minutes. Natural release.
• While the pressure releases, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat and add garlic, tomato paste, cilantro, red onion, pepper, bouillon cube and saute about 10 minutes, stirring.
• Open the pressure cooker when the steam releases, take 25% of the beans and liquid and transfer to the blender. Puree well then return to the pot.
• Add adobo seasoning and salt (about 1 teaspoon), or to taste.
• Add the sauteed vegetables to the beans and bring to a boil over medium heat. (In the Instant Pot use the saute button.)
• Boil uncovered over medium-low heat until the texture becomes creamy and the liquid reduces, about 30 minutes stirring often.
• Remove cilantro, pepper and onion and serve over rice. Makes 9 cups.

HABICHUELAS GUISADAS (PUERTO RICAN STEWED BEANS)

Steps:

• In a medium sized sauce pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped ham and saute for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to caramelize.
• Add the sofrito and Sazon seasoning. Saute for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Add the tomato sauce, oregano, bay leaves, and cumin. Saute for 1 minute.
• Add the chicken stock, beans (with their liquid), chopped potato, pumpkin or carrot, olives, and chopped cilantro. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the flavors to meld, the beans to become really tender, and the pumpkin/carrots to cook. The mixture should be very creamy and not soupy.
• Check for seasoning, and add Adobo or salt if needed.
• Serve over white or yellow rice, with an extra sprinkle of cilantro, if desired.

HABICHUELAS (RED BEANS)

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook Sofrito in oil over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. , Add the water, beans, potatoes, tomato sauce, sazon, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Serve with rice if desired.

HABICHUELAS ROJAS (RED BEANS, DOMINICAN STYLE)

Steps:

• Rinse the beans thoroughly and pick out any foreign matter. Place in a bowl and cover with 6 cups of cold water; let sit overnight. (Alternatively, place the beans in a saucepan with 6 cups of cold water and boil for 2 minutes; set aside for 1 hour.)
• Drain the beans and place in a large saucepan with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer at medium heat until the beans are tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• Meanwhile, make a sofritoor paste. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and the bacon until the fat is rendered. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper and tomatoes and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add the diluted tomato paste and the bouquet garni. Cook for 5 minutes.
• Add the paste to the beans and cook, stirring, for 15 minutes. Add salt to taste, vinegar, oregano and hot pepper and cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the beans are very creamy.