dominican black beans

Habichuelas negras deliciosas!

This is one of the most comforting foods for me. There’s plenty of other Dominican beans to make, but my favorite has always been black beans. Guandules is a pretty close second. My mother has been making this recipe for as long as I can remember. When having a traditional Dominican dinner, there are always the same couple categories on your plate: white rice, beans, and meat. And of course, the glorious aguacate (avocado) which usually has it’s own designated plate. My mother has made these black beans with so many mains: bistec ensabollado (Dominican pepper steak), codfish salad (ensalada de bacalao), stewed chicken, salmon, tilapia and more. But my favorite has always been scrambled eggs, white rice and black beans. It sounds odd but most Dominicans and Puerto Ricans can relate and attest to how good this combo really is. In the Dominican Republic, it’s something you make when there isn’t another protein option around. But I usually reach for this one first.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cans of black beans / preferably Goya brand

• celery stalk / sliced into thirds

• olive oil

• 2 cloves of garlic / smashed or minced

• 1/2 onion / sliced in quarters

• 1/2 chicken bouillon / can be made vegan by using a veggie alternative

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• salt to taste

• a small bunch of cilantro

DIRECTIONS

1. In a pot, pour out the two cans of black beans. Fill one can with water and add to the pot as well as the celery. Bring to a boil.

2. While the beans come to a boil, in a pan heat some olive oil. Sauté the garlic, onion, chicken bouillon, oregano, tomato paste and vinegar. This is the sofrito for the beans.

3. Add the sofrito, into the pot of boiling beans. Let that come together and taste for salt. If you think it needs more salt then this is the perfect time to add it in.

4. Let the beans thicken to your liking. Once they reach that point, add in the cilantro in. Stir to combine. Remove all the celery and big onion chunks.

5. Serve with white rice, avocado and any protein of your liking. Enjoy!

Show me your take on this classic Dominican side. Use #sundayswithjo on Instagram and I’ll repost my favorites!