Description
A traditional bean recipe made with garlic, onion, bay leaf, and lime, stewed to create a flavorful base, perfect with rice or as a protein-forward side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups red beans, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water, plus extra if needed
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lime juice, optional for brightness
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat then add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes so they pick up flavor from the aromatics.
- Add the soaked, drained beans, the can of diced tomatoes with their juices, cumin, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth or water, bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, checking at 45 minutes and adding more liquid if the pot looks dry, until the beans are tender and the potatoes are soft.
- Remove the bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning, stir in the vinegar or lime juice if using, and serve garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
Use soaking liquid to reduce gas-producing sugars by discarding soak water before cooking. Toast spices for deeper flavor. Mash some beans for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg