Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and bring the vibrant essence of Puerto Rican cuisine right into your kitchen! These traditional red beans are more than just a side dish – they're a celebration of rich cultural flavors, hearty ingredients, and generations of cooking wisdom passed down through time. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a home cook looking to explore new tastes, or simply craving a comforting and nutritious meal, this Puerto Rican Style Beans recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Red beans
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cilantro
- Olive oil
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the red beans thoroughly under cold running water, removing any debris or damaged beans.
- In a large pot, soak the beans overnight in water, or use a quick-soak method by bringing beans to a boil for 2 minutes, then letting them rest for 1 hour.
- Drain the soaked beans and set aside.
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the soaked beans to the pot, along with fresh water to cover the beans by about 2 inches.
- Add bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered.
- Cook beans for approximately 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking liquid levels.
- Add more water if needed to prevent beans from drying out or sticking to the bottom.
- Test beans for tenderness; they should be soft but not mushy.
- Chop fresh cilantro and stir into the beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, optionally accompanied by rice.
Tips
- Soaking is Key: Always soak your beans overnight or use the quick-soak method to ensure even cooking and improved digestibility.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the beans on low heat to develop deep, rich flavors and achieve the perfect tender texture.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time caramelizing onions and garlic – this builds a flavor foundation for your entire dish.
- Watch the Liquid: Keep an eye on water levels during cooking. Add more hot water if beans look dry to prevent burning.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh cilantro at the end of cooking to add a bright, fresh note to your beans.
- Season Gradually: Add salt in stages and taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Make Extra: These beans taste even better the next day, so consider making a larger batch for delicious leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
