Habichuelas Guisadas (Dominican Stewed Beans)

Dive into the rich and flavorful world of Dominican cuisine with Habichuelas Guisadas, a traditional stewed beans dish. Perfect as a side or a main feature in your meal, this dish brings the authentic taste of the Dominican Republic to your table. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this delightful recipe is heartwarming and soul-satisfying.

Ingredients

🫘 2 cans Roma or Pinto Beans, essential for authentic flavor
🎃 1/4 - 1/2 lb Auyama/Calabaza, cut into medium pieces
🧅 1 Small Red Onion, quartered
🫑 1 Green Bell Pepper, quartered
🌶️ 2-3 Ajicitos, likely Aji Dulce
🧄 Approximately 4 cloves Garlic, peeled
🫒 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
💧 2 cups Water
🧂 1 tablespoon Sopita (Goya Sazón recommended)
🌿 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
🍅 1-2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
🌱 1/4 cup Recao, chopped
🌿 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
🧂 1/4 teaspoon Light Brown Sugar
🍶 1/2 teaspoon White Vinegar

Instructions

1- Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a stainless steel pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add quartered red onion, green bell pepper pieces, halved ajicitos, and peeled garlic cloves.
• Sauté until the onions and peppers begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes.

2- Combine Beans and Seasonings:

• Pour in the undrained cans of Roma or Pinto beans and add 2 cups of water.
• Stir in the sopita, oregano, and tomato paste, ensuring the paste dissolves completely.

3- Add Herbs and Simmer:

• Add recao and fresh thyme, thoroughly mixing all ingredients.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• Adjust the heat if necessary to prevent overflowing.

4- Incorporate Auyama:

• Add the auyama/calabaza pieces, stirring to integrate them into the stew.

5- Simmer and Finish:

• Continue simmering for another 20-30 minutes or until the stew thickens and the auyama is tender but not disintegrated.
• Finish by incorporating the light brown sugar and white vinegar. Stir well to meld all flavors.

6- Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the stew warm, garnished with fresh thyme or cilantro, alongside your choice of Dominican main dishes.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 45-65 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Equipment:

• Stainless steel pot
• Gas stove
• Wooden spoon
• Glass bowls for holding ingredients
• Glass oil dispenser (optional)

Cooking Tips

• Substitute auyama with potato or sweet potato if unavailable.
• Ensure a larger pot to prevent spills as the mixture simmers.
• Brown sugar and vinegar at the end enhance the dish's complexity and are key to authentic flavor.

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Habichuelas Guisadas (Dominican Stewed Beans)