Habichuelas Negras
Habichuelas Negras Recipe - A Delicious Puerto Rican Dish
Introduction
Habichuelas Negras, or black beans, are a staple in Latin American cuisine. This recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal.
History
Black beans have been a part of Latin American cuisine for centuries. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stews to salads. This recipe for Habichuelas Negras is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- 1 1 lb (454 g) package of red kidney beans
- 3 tbsp of tomato paste (optional, you may use one can of tomato sauce instead)
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- 4 tbsp of salt
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 2 tbsp of oregano
- 0.25 lb (113 g) of cooking ham (ham steak), cut into small squares (optional, adds flavor)
- 0.25 cup of sofrito
How to prepare
- Check the beans, looking for stones, and discard any beans that are not whole.
- Rinse the beans in cold water, drain, and place them in a 5 qt (4.73 liter) pot.
- Soak the beans overnight in 5 – 6 cups of water, if you have time.
- However, if you would like to make them the same day, bring the beans to a boil in four cups of water, turn off the burner, and let them stand for an hour.
- If you are using the beans that have soaked overnight, drain them, add four cups of water, bring to a boil, lower the heat, and let them simmer.
- Lightly brown the ham in the olive oil.
- Add the sofrito and stir.
- Now stir in the tomato paste and the rest of the ingredients.
- Once the flavors have blended and you have a nice consistency, pour this mixture into the bean pot and stir.
- Place the frying pan back on the stove and deglaze the pan with 0.5 cup of the broth from the bean pot, then return this mixture to the bean pot.
- Let the beans simmer for about 30 minutes over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a low simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add water as needed.
- Taste for salt and other herbs and spices.
- You will know that the beans are ready when you can press them with a fork and they are soft to the touch, however, you don't want them too soft. The sauce should be fairly thick.
Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Use smoked ham hock instead of cooking steak for a smoky flavor.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Soaking the beans overnight will help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Adding a small amount of cooking steak can add extra flavor to the dish.
- Taste the beans as they cook and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Habichuelas Negras with rice, avocado slices, and a side of fried plantains for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Simmer the beans over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Deglaze the pan with broth to add extra depth of flavor to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use pinto beans or black-eyed peas instead of black beans.
- Substitute bacon for the cooking steak for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
The Habichuelas Negras can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Habichuelas Negras in a bowl garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the Habichuelas Negras with a side of rice and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
Black beans are a good source of iron, magnesium, and folate.
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens.
Summary
Habichuelas Negras is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Summary
Habichuelas Negras is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With a rich history and versatile ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her bustling kitchen. She was busy chopping onions and garlic, the smell of sofrito filling the air. I watched as she added the black beans to the pot, along with a secret blend of spices that she refused to reveal.
As Maria stirred the pot, she told me the story of how her grandmother had passed down this recipe through generations. She spoke of the importance of using high-quality ingredients and cooking the beans slowly to allow the flavors to develop. I was captivated by her passion and dedication to this dish, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.
After that day, I spent countless hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to recreate Maria's habichuelas negras. I tried adding a pinch of cumin here, a splash of vinegar there, until I finally found the perfect balance of flavors. I even traveled to Maria's hometown to learn from her grandmother, who taught me the traditional way of making this dish.
Over the years, I have continued to refine my recipe, adding my own twist to it while still honoring the traditions that have been passed down to me. I have shared my habichuelas negras with friends and family, who always rave about its rich, savory taste. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that brings back memories of laughter and love shared with those closest to me.
As I sit here now, writing this recipe down for you, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences and people that have shaped my cooking journey. From Maria's kitchen to my own, I have learned the importance of patience, dedication, and a love for good food. I hope that as you make this dish yourself, you too will feel the warmth and comfort that comes from sharing a meal made with love and passion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried black beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the black beans under cold water and soak them in a large bowl overnight.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened.
3. Drain the black beans and add them to the pot, along with the cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and water.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, until the beans are tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve the habichuelas negras hot, with rice or your favorite side dish.
Enjoy your meal, and remember to share it with those you love. Buen provecho!
Categories
| Ham Recipes | Oregano Recipes | Puerto Rican Meat Dishes | Puerto Rican Recipes | Red Kidney Bean Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes | Tomato Sauce Recipes |