Savory Puerto Rican Stewed Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas)
Indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with this traditional recipe for Habichuelas Guisadas, or Stewed Beans. This delectable dish combines kidney beans with savory sofrito, vibrant tomato sauce, and a touch of Sazon Goya for a flavor explosion. Perfect as a standalone meal or as a delightful side paired with fluffy white or yellow rice, this recipe is a celebration of Caribbean flavors that is sure to be a hit at your dining table. Easy to prepare and satisfying, it's ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Feel free to add diced ham and olives for an extra layer of taste and texture.
4-6 servings
Servings
90
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kidney Beans
1 can (15 ounces) (drained and rinsed)
Tomato Sauce
4 ounces (none)
Sofrito Sauce
1 tablespoon (homemade or store-bought (Goya))
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (none)
Sazon Goya (powder)
1 envelope (1/4 ounce) (none)
Water
1 cup (none)
Diced Ham
optional (to taste)
Pitted Green Olives
6-10 (sliced (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the sofrito to the pot and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Incorporate the pitted green olives (if using), kidney beans, Sazon Goya, and tomato sauce into the pot. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4
Pour in 1 cup of water and mix everything well.
5
Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The beans should soften and the stew will thicken slightly.
6
If desired, add diced ham during the last 10 minutes of cooking to enhance the flavor.
7
Once ready, serve your delicious Habichuelas Guisadas hot over a bed of yellow or white rice.
Nutrition Information
2.4g
Fat
15g
Carbs
4g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Habichuelas Guisadas?
Habichuelas Guisadas is a traditional Puerto Rican dish of savory stewed beans, typically made with kidney beans, sofrito, and tomato sauce.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses one 15-ounce can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 90 calories per serving of these stewed beans.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2.4 grams of fat.
How much protein is in these Puerto Rican beans?
Each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
What are the main carbohydrates in this dish?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving, 4 grams of which are dietary fiber.
What is sofrito and where can I find it?
Sofrito is a flavorful base made from aromatics. You can use homemade sofrito or store-bought versions like Goya.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is naturally vegetarian if you omit the optional diced ham.
What is Sazon Goya?
Sazon Goya is a savory seasoning powder common in Caribbean cooking that adds color and flavor to the beans.
What should I serve with Habichuelas Guisadas?
It is traditionally served hot over a bed of fluffy white or yellow rice.
How long does it take to cook the stew?
The beans should simmer for about 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Do I need to drain the canned beans?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify that the kidney beans should be drained and rinsed before use.
Are olives required for this recipe?
No, the 6-10 pitted green olives are optional but recommended for an extra layer of salty flavor.
How much water is added to the stew?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of water to be mixed with the beans and sauce.
When should I add the optional diced ham?
If you choose to use ham, add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking to enhance the flavor.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the sofrito?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil to sauté the sofrito until fragrant.
Can I use other types of beans?
While this recipe uses kidney beans, you can substitute them with pink beans or pinto beans using the same method.
Is this dish spicy?
No, Habichuelas Guisadas is savory and aromatic rather than spicy.
What is the purpose of simmering the beans?
Simmering on low heat allows the beans to soften further and the stew to thicken to the desired consistency.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of tomato sauce.
Can I use dry beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and boil the dry beans until tender before following the stewing steps in this recipe.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutritional data provided, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What is the total time required for preparation?
The total time is approximately 30 minutes, including 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, using canned beans and pantry staples like rice and tomato sauce makes this a very affordable meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze the stewed beans?
Yes, these beans freeze very well in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
What size pot should I use?
A medium-sized pot is ideal for this amount of ingredients.
Should the heat be high during simmering?
No, you should reduce the heat to low once the liquid is added to prevent burning.
Can I add potatoes to this stew?
Yes, many traditional variations include diced potatoes or pumpkin, though they are not in this specific base recipe.