If you’ve never had the Puerto Rican stewed beans dish called Habichuelas Guisadas, you are in for a treat when you prepare this recipe!
I visited a friend in Puerto Rico a few summers ago, and that was the first time I had tried habichuelas guisadas. While I’m quite familiar with many Latin American bean dishes, this was a first for me. This dish has so much flavor, and since it’s so easy to make, I have no doubt you’ll want to make it as often as I do.
These Puerto Rican beans are typically made with pink beans, which are similar to pinto beans but smaller, rounder, and have a pinkish-red hue. You can use any beans available to you when making this recipe, including kidney, black, pinto, or red beans. After you’ve enjoyed this, try my other favorite Latin American bean dish, Cuban Black Beans.
What Is Sofrito?
You may have passed a jar of sofrito in your grocery store’s Latin food aisle and not given it much thought; I know I never did before this recipe. Sofrito is a flavorful sautéed mixture of vegetables (typically tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and more) that is used as the base for many Latin American dishes, adding depth and richness to stews, beans, rice, meat, and fish.
A green version without the tomatoes is called recaíto and is more cilantro-forward in taste. If desired, you can make sofrito or recaíto from scratch and freeze it in small portions for future use (ice cube trays are perfect for this).
Is Habichuelas Guisadas Healthy?
The ingredients in habichuelas guisadas provide many health benefits. Beans are high in fiber and plant-based protein, and contain essential vitamins and minerals including iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. Compared to many other dishes, habichuelas guisadas is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
What Can I Use Instead Of Potatoes?
If you prefer not to use potatoes, another starchy vegetable such as cubed pumpkin or sweet potato will work in this recipe. Some people also add chunks of carrots. You can also combine these vegetables with fewer potatoes for a hearty stew.
While we’re on the topic of substitutions, you can use low-sodium vegetable stock instead of the water in the recipe. The stock adds additional flavor to the beans, although they are already so flavorful without it.
How to make ahead and store
Habichuelas guisadas is easy to make ahead of time because it keeps well. You can store the stewed beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. Allow frozen beans to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These stewed beans are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and can be served alongside any main dish. Have a bowl of rice ready; that is the ideal base for the beans. If you’ve never tried baking rice, check out this recipe for Baked White Rice that simplifies the preparation without using another stovetop burner. This Picadillo Recipe is an excellent option for a meat dish alongside habichuelas guisadas.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons sofrito
- 1 teaspoon sazón seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cans 15 oz each pink beans undrained
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup green olives sliced
- 1/2 pound potatoes diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sofrito and sauté until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in sazón, adobo, oregano, and tomato sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the pink beans with the liquid from the cans, water, olives, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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