15 Best Puerto Rican Beans Recipe Experience Culinary Bliss Now!

Published on: Mar 31, 2024

Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and rich cultural influences, and one dish that perfectly embodies these elements is the classic Puerto Rican beans. These beans are a staple in many Puerto Rican households and are often served as a side dish or used as a filling for empanadas and other savory pastries. While there are various ways to prepare Puerto Rican beans, there is one recipe that stands out above the rest. In this article, we will share the best Puerto Rican beans recipe that will surely tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.

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Ingredients

To make the best Puerto Rican beans, you will need the following ingredients:

Pink beans: These are the star of the dish and can be found in most Latin American grocery stores.
Sofrito: A flavorful mixture of peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs that serves as the base for many Puerto Rican dishes.
Adobo seasoning: A blend of spices commonly used in Puerto Rican cuisine for added flavor.
Ham hock: This adds a smoky and savory flavor to the beans.
Potato: Adds a creamy texture to the beans and helps thicken the sauce.
Cilantro: A popular herb used in Puerto Rican cooking for its fresh and bright flavor.

Instructions

Start by soaking the pink beans in water overnight to soften them and reduce the cooking time.
In a large pot, sauté the sofrito over medium heat until fragrant.
Add the soaked beans to the pot and stir to combine with the sofrito.
Next, add the ham hock and adobo seasoning to the pot. Stir to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Add enough water to cover the beans and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about an hour.
After an hour, add the potato to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Finally, add a handful of chopped cilantro to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the Puerto Rican beans hot as a side dish or use them as a filling for your favorite savory pastries.

Additional Tips

You can also use pigeon peas instead of pink beans for a twist on this classic recipe.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water.
For added heat, you can add hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the beans while they are simmering.
Leftover beans can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.

Try out this best Puerto Rican beans recipe and experience the flavors of Puerto Rico in your own kitchen. Serve it at your next gathering and impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic dish. ¡Buen provecho!