By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 13, 2023 | Last Updated on June 22, 2023
Looking for the Dominican beans recipe? If yes, you’re in the right place. Today I will show you how to cook Dominican beans from scratch, and the best part is that it’s very easy to make.
The Dominican Republic is known for its delicious food, and one of the most popular dishes is beans. If there is one food that is loved by all Dominicans, it is definitely beans!
Beans are such a staple in their diets that you would be hard-pressed to find a meal that doesn’t include them in some way. Whether they are served as a side dish or the main event, we just can’t get enough of these delicious legumes.
There are so many different ways to prepare beans, but one of our favorites is this traditional Dominican beans recipe. The secret to making the best beans is to cook them slowly over low heat until they are nice and tender. This allows all of the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in the most delicious beans you’ve ever tasted!
Serve this dish with some rice and a side of fried plantains for a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. Trust us, beans lover, once you try these beans you’ll be hooked for life!
What is the Dominican beans recipe?
Dominican Republic food is a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences.
This dish of stewed red beans over white rice, also called Habichuelas Guisadas, is beloved comfort food in many Latin American households. You can find this dish everywhere in the Dominican Republic, no matter what region you are in.
The best part about this Dominican beans recipe? It is so simple to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen! All you need is some red beans, seasoning ingredients, garlic, olive oil and water.
Habichuelas Guisadas is typically served over white rice. You can serve it as dinner or as a side dish. This recipe is hearty and filling and perfect for a winter meal. The beans are cooked until they’re tender and then simmered in the flavorful sauce.
The Dominican beans recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of nutrients. It is high in fiber and protein, and low in fat and calories. This makes it a healthy option for those trying to lose or maintain a healthy weight. The recipe is also low in sodium and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy option.
What does it taste like?
Dominican beans are savory and hearty, with a slight sweetness from the addition of brown sugar. The beans are usually stewed until they’re soft and creamy, making for a delicious and satisfying dish.
How to make Dominican beans?
Dominican beans is a traditional dish from the Dominican Republic. It is made with red beans, sautéed onions, garlic and some herbs. Sometimes, green peppers and tomatoes are also added to the dish. These ingredients make the dish mouthwatering.
I was first introduced to the dish when I was living in the Dominican Republic. My roommate at the time was from the Dominican Republic and she would often make this dish for us. I instantly fell in love with it! She also taught me how to make the delicious recipe. I tried to make it at home several times and share it with friends and family.
The Dominican beans are also remarkable since they come into contact with the Kabocha Squash. These ingredients lend them a delicate sweetness.
Let’s make an easy Dominican red beans recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cans of Roma or Pinto Beans
- ¼ green bell pepper (chopped)
- ¼ cup cilantro
- ⅛ tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sopita
- 1-2 tbsp tomato paste
- 150-250g of Kabocha or Pumpkin
- 1 small Red onion (chopped)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2-3 ajicitos (finely chopped)
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)
- ¼ tsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp oregano
- 2 cups of water
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the beans overnight. Drain beans and keep them aside.
Step 2: Take a pan and add some oil. Add the finely chopped onion, pepper, garlic and ajicitos. Sauté until boiled at medium heat.
Step 3: Now, add the beans and mix with them. Add two cups of water.
Step 4: Add sopita, oregano, tomato paste, oregano and thyme to the bean mixture. Mix them with a spatula and boil for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Now time to mix Kabocha or Pumpkin.
Step 6: Boil for about 20-30 minutes in medium heat until whatever thickness you want. If your beans start to get thick, add some water. But be careful – if you boil it too long, your squash will disappear!
Step 7: After reaching the thickness you like, sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar and vinegar at the end. This will help to balance out all of the wonderful tastes.
Tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your Dominican beans recipe turns out perfect:
1. Use fresh, dry beans. Soak them overnight before cooking. But you can use canned beans if you don’t have fresh beans.
2. Add sautéed onions and garlic to the dish for flavor.
3. For a thicker dish, add some tomato paste to the beans while cooking.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro and green bell pepper when served.
5. If you allow the beans to rest for an extended period of time before serving, the flavor will improve.
6. Dominican beans are a great way to use up leftover rice. If you have some rice sitting in your fridge, this is the perfect recipe to use it up. Just add the rice to the pot when you’re adding the beans. This recipe is also budget-friendly since beans are an inexpensive protein source.
7. Tomato sauce can be used instead of tomato paste.
8. Some people use butternut squash instead of Kabocha or Pumpkin.
What to serve with the Dominican beans recipe?
These beans are best served over white rice with concón. They should be thick and creamy, coating the rice. You can also enjoy them as a soup on their own or with some boiled yuca and/or tostones on the side.
How to store leftover Dominican beans recipe?
Leftover Dominican beans can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them on the stove over low heat until they’re piping hot throughout. You can also freeze leftover beans for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Dominican Beans Recipe [Habichuelas Guisadas]
Equipment
- 1 Pan
- 1 bowl
- 1 Spacula
Ingredients
- 2 cans Roma or pinto Beans
- ¼ green bell pepper chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro
- ⅛ tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp sopita
- 1-2 tbsp tomato paste
- 150-250 g Kabocha or Pumpkin
- 1 small Red onion (chopped)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2-3 ajicitos (finely chopped)
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (optional)
- ¼ tsp light brown sugar
- ½ tsp oregano
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Soak the beans overnight. Drain beans and keep them aside.
- Take a pan and add some oil. Add the finely chopped onion, pepper, garlic and ajicitos. Sauté until boiled at medium heat.
- Now, add the beans and mix with them. Add two cups of water.
- Add sopita, oregano, tomato paste, oregano and thyme to the bean mixture. Mix them with a spatula and boil for 5 minutes.
- Now time to mix Kabocha or Pumpkin.
- Boil for about 20-30 minutes in medium heat until whatever thickness you want. If your beans start to get thick, add some water. But be careful – if you boil it too long, your squash will disappear!
- After reaching the thickness you like, sprinkle a pinch of brown sugar and vinegar at the end. This will help to balance out all of the wonderful tastes.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Amount per serving And % Daily Values
Serving 6 people calories : 378 kcal fat: 8.0 g | saturated fat: 1.3 g | cholesterol: 0 mg | sodium: 365 mg | potassium: 396 mg | carbohydrates: 62.9 g | dietary fiber: 12.1 g | sugar : 4.7 g | protein : 15.8 g | vitamin a iu: 2635 IU | vitamin b6 mg: 0.5 mg | vitamin c mg: 33.2 mg | calcium mg : 184 mg | iron mg: 6.6 mg | magnesium mg : 140 mg
FAQs
Wrapping up
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below. I’ll be happy to answer them.
If you like this post, please share it with your friends and family.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
