This Puerto Rican Style Beans recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and exotic flavors. As a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine, the beans are seasoned with a homemade sofrito and simmered with potatoes for a hearty and satisfying dish. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers a taste that will transport you straight to the heart of Puerto Rican cooking.
The key ingredient in this recipe is Sofrito, a foundation for many Hispanic dishes. Sofrito is a blend of onions, garlic, pepper, and cilantro, which is typically used to add depth and flavor to dishes. Another unique ingredient is Sazon seasoning, a type of seasoned salt used in Puerto Rican cuisine. You may not find it in all supermarkets, but it's worth seeking out for its authentic flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Puerto Rican Style Beans
Sofrito: This is a blend of onions, garlic, pepper, and cilantro that forms the base of the flavor profile for this dish.
Kidney beans: These are the main ingredient in the dish and provide a hearty texture and rich flavor.
Tomato sauce: Used to give the dish a bit of tanginess and a rich color.
Potato: They add some body to the dish, soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
Sazon seasoning: A common Puerto Rican seasoning made from a blend of spices.
Bayleaf: Gives a subtle, herbal flavor to the dish.
Oregano: Adds an additional layer of flavor to the beans.
Salt and Pepper: Used to season the dish to taste.
One reader, Arne Romeo says:
This Puerto Rican style beans recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and authentic. The combination of sofrito and sazon seasoning creates a burst of deliciousness. The beans and potatoes are perfectly tender. It's a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful, comforting dishes.
Techniques for Preparing Puerto Rican Style Beans
How to prepare sofrito: Use a mini food processor to finely chop the onion, cubanelle pepper, garlic cloves, and cilantro.
How to sauté sofrito: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped sofrito ingredients until they are soft, for about 2 minutes.
How to cook beans: Add the kidney beans and 3/4 cup of water to the saucepan with the sofrito.
How to season the beans: Add tomato sauce, diced potato, sazon seasoning, bay leaf, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the beans.
How to simmer the beans: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
How to serve: Discard the bay leaf and serve the beans over rice if desired.
How To Make Puerto Rican Style Beans
These Puerto Rican style beans are the perfect side dish to prepare on busy days made with pink or red canned beans and diced potatoes cooked together.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the sofrito:
- ½small onion
- ½cubanelle,banana pepper
- 3garlic cloves
- ¼cupcilantro,chopped
For the beans:
- 1tspolive oil
- 15½ozkidney beans,pink or red
- ½cuptomato sauce
- 1medium potato,peeled and diced
- 1½tbspSazon seasoning
- 1bayleaf
- ⅛tsporegano
- kosher salt,to taste
- black pepper,to taste
Instructions
-
In a mini food processor, chop onions, garlic, pepper, and cilantro.
-
Add oil to a medium saucepan and sauté the chopped ingredients, cook on medium heat until soft, for about 2 minutes.
-
Add the beans to the saucepan along with 3/4 cup of water.
-
Add tomato sauce, potato, Sazon, bay leaf, oregano, salt if needed, and a pinch of black pepper.
-
Bring to a boil then cover and simmer on low for about 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft.
-
Discard bay leaf and serve over rice if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 396.51kcal
- Fat: 2.29g
- Saturated Fat: 0.37g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.93g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.70g
- Carbohydrates: 70.55g
- Fiber: 28.35g
- Sugar: 3.98g
- Protein: 26.74g
- Sodium: 362.20mg
- Calcium: 187.26mg
- Potassium: 1680.44mg
- Iron: 10.02mg
- Vitamin A: 12.44µg
- Vitamin C: 8.91mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Puerto Rican Style Beans
When preparing the sofrito, make sure to chop the onions, garlic, pepper, and cilantro finely. This will help to release their flavors more effectively when they are sautéed in the olive oil. Additionally, when adding the potato to the beans, consider cutting it into small, even pieces. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes tender at the same time as the kidney beans. Lastly, remember to taste your beans as they cook and adjust the seasonings as needed. The sazon seasoning, oregano, salt, and black pepper can all be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences.
Time-Saving Tips for Puerto Rican Style Beans Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store onions, garlic, and peppers in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use canned beans: Opt for canned beans instead of dried ones to skip the soaking and cooking time, making the recipe quicker and more convenient.
Multi-task: While the beans are simmering, use that time to prepare the rice or any other side dishes to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a pressure cooker to cook the beans and potatoes together, reducing the overall cooking time and cleanup.
Efficient chopping: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the sofrito ingredients, saving time and effort in the preparation process.
Substitute Ingredients For Puerto Rican Style Beans Recipe
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can work well in the sofrito.
cubanelle - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers have a similar mild flavor and crunch that can be used as a substitute for cubanelle in the sofrito.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and slightly peppery flavor to the sofrito.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a similar mild flavor and high smoke point for cooking.
kidney beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for kidney beans, providing a similar creamy texture and mild flavor in the beans recipe.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a thicker consistency and rich tomato flavor to the beans.
potato - Substitute with yam: Yams can be used as a substitute for potatoes, providing a similar starchy texture and sweet flavor to the beans recipe.
sazon seasoning - Substitute with adobo seasoning: Adobo seasoning can be used as a substitute for sazon seasoning, providing a similar blend of spices and flavor to the beans.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute for bay leaf, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the beans recipe.
oregano - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram can be used as a substitute for oregano, providing a similar sweet and slightly floral flavor to the beans.
Presentation Ideas for Puerto Rican Style Beans
Elevate the sofrito: The sofrito is the heart of this dish, so ensure it is finely chopped and beautifully presented. The vibrant colors of the onion, cubanelle, garlic, and cilantro should shine through, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.
Create a stunning bean arrangement: Carefully spoon the beans onto the plate, ensuring they are arranged in an appealing manner. The kidney beans should be visible, and the tomato sauce should be delicately drizzled around the plate to add a pop of color.
Garnish with a touch of green: Sprinkle a few fresh cilantro leaves over the beans to add a touch of brightness and a burst of flavor. The green garnish will provide a beautiful contrast to the rich, earthy tones of the beans.
Incorporate a touch of elegance with a potato accent: Slice the cooked potato into thin rounds and layer them alongside the beans. The potato rounds should be arranged in a visually appealing manner, adding a touch of elegance to the dish.
Add a final dash of seasoning: Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of freshly ground black pepper over the beans to enhance the flavors and add a subtle hint of sophistication to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Beans Puerto Rican Style
- Mini food processor: A small, compact food processor that is perfect for chopping, mincing, and blending small quantities of ingredients.
- Medium saucepan: A pot with a capacity of around 3 to 4 quarts, suitable for cooking soups, sauces, and boiling vegetables.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, or stirring ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy board used to protect countertops and provide a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Can opener: A tool used to open cans and tins.
- Spoon: A versatile tool used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Puerto Rican Style Beans
Allow the puerto rican style beans to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the beans for later use, transfer the cooled beans to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily identify them later.
When freezing, leave some headspace in the container or bag to allow for expansion as the beans freeze.
The frozen puerto rican style beans will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat the frozen beans, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Once thawed, transfer the beans to a saucepan and reheat them over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency if the beans have thickened during storage.
Avoid refreezing the beans once they have been thawed, as this can negatively impact their texture and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Puerto Rican Style Beans
Reheat the puerto rican style beans in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a thicker, more flavorful dish.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer the leftover beans to a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the beans are heated through. The damp paper towel helps prevent the beans from drying out during the reheating process.
If you find that the leftover beans have thickened too much in the refrigerator, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the saucepan or microwave-safe bowl before reheating. This will help loosen the beans and create a more appealing consistency.
For a crispy twist, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leftover beans and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method adds a new texture to the dish and can be a delicious variation on the original recipe.
If you have leftover rice, consider reheating the beans and rice together in a saucepan or microwave. This combination is a classic pairing in Puerto Rican cuisine and can make for a satisfying and convenient meal.
Interesting Trivia About Puerto Rican Style Beans
The Puerto Rican style beans recipe is a traditional dish that is often served as a side dish or a main course. It is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is known for its rich and flavorful taste. The sofrito, a mixture of onions, garlic, pepper, and cilantro, adds a unique and aromatic flavor to the dish. The use of sazon seasoning, a popular Latin American spice blend, gives the beans a vibrant color and a delicious savory taste. This dish is a perfect example of the rich and diverse flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Budget-Friendly Puerto Rican Style Beans Recipe
This Puerto Rican style beans recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as kidney beans, potatoes, and tomato sauce, are affordable and readily available. The recipe's simplicity and use of basic pantry staples make it a budget-friendly option. With an approximate cost of $10, this hearty dish can feed a family of four, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavor.
Are Puerto Rican Style Beans Healthy?
This Puerto Rican-style beans recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:
- Kidney beans, which are rich in protein, fiber, and various nutrients
- Onions, garlic, and cilantro, which offer antioxidants and flavor without adding significant calories
- Tomato sauce, providing lycopene and other beneficial compounds
However, there are some less healthy components:
- Sazon seasoning often contains MSG and high amounts of sodium
- The recipe doesn't specify the type of olive oil or potato, which could impact the nutritional value
- Depending on portion sizes, this dish might be high in carbohydrates
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-sodium or homemade sazon seasoning to reduce the salt content
- Use extra virgin olive oil for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
- Choose a waxy potato variety, such as red or fingerling potatoes, which have a lower glycemic index compared to starchy potatoes like russets
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced carrots or bell peppers to the sofrito for extra nutrients and fiber
- Serve the beans with a side of leafy greens or a salad to balance out the meal
- Control portion sizes to manage carbohydrate and calorie intake, especially if served with rice
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of this tasty and comforting Puerto Rican-style beans dish without sacrificing flavor.
Editor's Opinion on This Puerto Rican Beans Recipe
This Puerto Rican style beans recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sofrito adds a depth of aromatic essence, while the sazon seasoning infuses the beans with a rich and savory taste. The addition of potato provides a comforting heartiness to the dish. The recipe's simplicity makes it accessible for home cooks, and the end result is a satisfying and wholesome meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or served over rice, this dish is sure to be a hit at any dining table.
Enhance Your Puerto Rican Style Beans Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Puerto Rican Style Beans
Appetizer and Dessert Combinations for Puerto Rican Style Beans Recipe
Why trust this Puerto Rican Style Beans Recipe:
This recipe for Puerto Rican style beans is a delicious and authentic dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. The use of fresh ingredients such as cubanelle, cilantro, and sazon seasoning ensures an aromatic and flavorful base. The incorporation of kidney beans and potato adds heartiness and texture to the dish, while the sofrito infuses the beans with a rich and savory taste. With the careful combination of tomato sauce and sazon seasoning, this recipe promises to deliver a truly satisfying and comforting meal that users can trust and enjoy.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Pasteles de Yuca (Puerto Rican Tamales) Recipe
Puerto Rican Rice Pudding Recipe
Instant Pot Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo Recipe
Diced Hash Browns Recipe
Twisted Pizza Pastry Recipe
Shrimp Etouffee Recipe
Copycat Olive Garden Fried Calamari Recipe
Thick Minestrone Soup Recipe
Nutella Cheeseball Recipe
Saucy Asian Meatballs Recipe
Nutella Crepes with Berries Recipe
