Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas

Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas Recipe - Vegetarian Dominican Delight

Region / culture: Dominican Republic | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas is a traditional Dominican dish made with red kidney beans cooked in a flavorful broth. This dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a delicious meal any day of the week.

History

Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas has been a staple in Dominican cuisine for generations. The dish is often served as a side dish or as a main course, accompanied by rice, plantains, and salad. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

2 cups of boiled red kidney beans, very soft
4 cups of water
0.5 cup of chopped celery
1 small red onion, cut into quarters
1 cube of chicken stock
0.5 tsp of chopped parsley
0.5 tsp of chopped coriander / cilantro
0.5 tsp of thyme leaves
1 tbsp of tomato sauce
1 tbsp of oil
0.5 tsp of mashed garlic
0.5 cup of diced gem squash (optional)
1 pinch of oregano
salt

How to prepare

In a pot, heat the oil.
Add oregano, onion, garlic, celery, and herbs.
Stir and add two tablespoons of water.
When the water has almost evaporated, add the chicken stock and two more tablespoons of water. Stir.
Add the remaining water, mashing the beans over heat.
Let it boil at medium heat until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Adjust salt to taste.

Variations

Add diced carrots or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use very soft boiled red kidney beans for this recipe to achieve the desired creamy consistency.

- Adjust the amount of water based on your desired thickness of the dish.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas with white rice, fried plantains, and a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas is to cook the beans until they are very soft and creamy. This can be achieved by simmering the beans in a flavorful broth for an extended period of time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have red kidney beans, you can use pinto beans or black beans as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas in a bowl alongside rice for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with white rice, fried plantains, and a side of avocado salad. You can also serve it with a side of cornbread or crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 3g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 7g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains celery and chicken stock, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Habichuelas Rojas Guisadas is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. She was busy chopping onions and garlic, the savory aroma filling the room.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Habichuelas rojas guisadas," she replied with a smile. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I watched as she added the beans to the pot, along with some tomatoes, peppers, and spices. The colors and flavors mingled together, creating a delicious symphony of taste and aroma. I couldn't wait to try it.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the habichuelas rojas guisadas. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each one distinct yet harmonious with the others. It was a dish that spoke of tradition and love, a dish that brought people together around the table.

From that moment on, I knew I had to learn how to make habichuelas rojas guisadas. I asked Maria for the recipe, but she told me it was a secret that only her family knew. Determined to unravel the mystery, I set out on a quest to learn the secrets of this delicious dish.

I started by researching traditional Dominican recipes, looking for clues that would lead me to the coveted recipe. I visited local markets and talked to seasoned cooks, hoping to find someone who could shed light on the ingredients and techniques used to make habichuelas rojas guisadas.

One day, I met an elderly woman at the market who told me she knew the secret to making the best habichuelas rojas guisadas. Intrigued, I followed her to her home, where she graciously shared her knowledge with me.

She showed me how to choose the best beans, how to cook them to perfection, and how to season them just right. She told me that the key to a great habichuelas rojas guisadas was patience and love, ingredients that couldn't be measured but were essential to the dish.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set out to make my own version of habichuelas rojas guisadas. I followed the recipe to the letter, adding my own personal touch here and there. As the beans simmered on the stove, I could smell the familiar aroma that brought back memories of my friend Maria and her cozy kitchen.

When the habichuelas rojas guisadas were finally ready, I sat down to eat, savoring each spoonful. The flavors were perfect, just like I remembered from that first time at Maria's house. I had finally unlocked the secret to making this delicious dish, a secret that had been hiding in plain sight all along.

As I continued to make habichuelas rojas guisadas for my family and friends, I shared the recipe with anyone who asked. I wanted others to experience the joy and comfort that this dish brought to me, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to each other.

Now, whenever I make habichuelas rojas guisadas, I think of Maria, the elderly woman from the market, and all the people who have shared their knowledge and love with me over the years. It's more than just a recipe; it's a piece of my history, a reminder of the journeys I've taken and the people I've met along the way.

So the next time you sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of habichuelas rojas guisadas, remember that behind every dish lies a story, a story of tradition, friendship, and love. And maybe, just maybe, you'll be inspired to create your own culinary masterpiece, a dish that will bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime.