Savory Puerto Rican Habichuelas Guisadas
Indulge in the rich and flavorful world of Puerto Rican culinary traditions with these Savory Habichuelas Guisadas, or Stewed Beans. After countless experiments, I have perfected a recipe that captures the authentic taste of my childhood, where every bite is infused with aromatic spices and vibrant ingredients. The combination of creamy beans, well-seasoned sofrito, and optional additions like sweet calabaza or hearty potatoes creates a dish that embodies comfort and nostalgia. While this recipe does take time and care to prepare, the delicious homemade difference makes it worth every moment. Elevate any meal or enjoy it solo with rice, and experience the heart of Puerto Rico in your own kitchen.
6
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Goya Roman Beans
1 (16 ounce) bag (soaked and drained)
Calabaza Squash or Russet Potato
1 cup (cubed (optional))
Tomato Paste
2 tablespoons (none)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Chicken Bouillon Cubes
3 (none)
Sazon Goya Seasoning
3 (1.5 ounce) packages (with cilantro and tomato)
Water
as needed (none)
Stuffed Manzanilla Olives
10 (none)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Sofrito Sauce
1 cup (see linked recipe or substitute)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Cubanelle Peppers
2 (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
6 (mashed or finely chopped)
Fresh Cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the beans overnight in enough water to cover them completely.
2
The next day, drain the beans in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Discard any split or broken beans, as well as those that appear odd in color or size.
3
Transfer the rinsed beans to a large pot and cover them with cold water, allowing for an extra three inches of water above the beans.
4
Set the pot over high heat and bring the beans to a rolling boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium and place a lid partially on the pot. Let the beans simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed to keep the beans submerged.
5
While the beans are cooking, heat a sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil, and if using, the sofrito or substitute ingredients.
6
Sauté the mixture for about three minutes, then incorporate the tomato paste, Sazon Goya, chicken bouillon cubes, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and the stuffed olives. Cook for an additional two minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
7
Once the beans have softened, add your chopped calabaza or russet potato (if using) and the sautéed mixture to the pot of beans. Stir thoroughly, adding more water if necessary.
8
Continue to cook the beans for an additional 30 minutes on medium heat with the lid partially covering the pot, then for another 30 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9
When the beans have reached the desired tenderness, remove them from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your Puerto Rican Habichuelas Guisadas!
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
30g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Habichuelas Guisadas?
Habichuelas Guisadas are Puerto Rican stewed beans, a traditional comfort food dish infused with sofrito, aromatic spices, and often vegetables like calabaza or potatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce bag of Goya Roman Beans.
How long should I soak the beans?
The beans should be soaked overnight in enough water to cover them completely.
Can I substitute the calabaza squash?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of cubed Russet potato as a substitute for the calabaza squash.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, according to the recipe tags, this dish is gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 6.7g of fat per serving.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
This dish provides 7.5g of fiber per serving.
What type of sofrito should I use?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sofrito sauce; you can use a linked recipe or a suitable substitute.
How long do the beans need to simmer initially?
After bringing them to a boil, let the beans simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What spices are needed for the seasoning?
The seasoning includes dried oregano, ground cumin, freshly ground black pepper, and Sazon Goya.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 6 mashed or finely chopped garlic cloves.
What kind of olives are used?
The recipe specifies 10 Stuffed Manzanilla Olives.
How much olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What specific Sazon Goya seasoning is recommended?
The recipe recommends Sazon Goya seasoning with cilantro and tomato.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
Freshly chopped cilantro should be added as a garnish just before serving.
Why should I discard some beans after soaking?
You should discard any split or broken beans, as well as those with odd colors or sizes, to ensure the best texture.
How much water is needed to boil the beans?
Cover the beans with cold water, allowing for an extra three inches of water above the beans.
What is the role of the tomato paste?
Tomato paste helps thicken the stew and adds a concentrated savory flavor to the base.
How long is the final cooking stage?
The final stage takes 1 hour: 30 minutes with the lid partially on and 30 minutes uncovered.
Which bouillon cubes are used?
The recipe calls for 3 chicken bouillon cubes.
What type of peppers are included?
The recipe includes 2 chopped Cubanelle peppers.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total.
Can I use onions in this dish?
Yes, one small chopped onion is included in the ingredient list.
How much carbohydrate is in a serving?
Each serving contains 30g of carbohydrates.
What temperature should the sofrito be sautéed at?
The sofrito mixture should be sautéed over medium-low heat.
Should the pot be covered during the initial simmer?
Yes, place a lid partially on the pot while the beans simmer for the first 45-60 minutes.
What is the best way to prevent the beans from sticking?
Stir the beans occasionally throughout the process, especially during the final 30 minutes of uncovered cooking.