Authentic Puerto Rican Habichuelas Guisadas Recipe

Habichuelas Guisadas is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is a staple in many households. This flavorful recipe features tender red kidney beans cooked in a rich tomato sauce with a combination of savory seasonings and spices. It is often served as a side dish alongside rice, but it can also be enjoyed as a main course. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, you can easily whip up this delicious dish for your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried red kidney beans
• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sofrito
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. Rinse the dried kidney beans under cold water and remove any debris or stones.
2. In a large pot, add the kidney beans and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
3. In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sofrito, bay leaf, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked kidney beans into the pot with the tomato sauce. Stir everything together.
7. Cover the pot and let the habichuelas guisadas simmer for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
8. Remove the bay leaf and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
9. Serve the Habichuelas Guisadas as a side dish with white rice or as a main course with crusty bread and a green salad.

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