Authentic Puerto Rican Beans | Habichuelas Guisadas Puerto Rico

Summary

In this video, the host demonstrates how to make delicious Puerto Rican-style red beans, or 'habichuelas'. Using ingredients like Goya small red beans, butternut squash, ham, and sofrito, the recipe comes together with a blend of flavors from tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and a packet of Sazon. After sautéing the ham and creating a flavorful base, the beans are simmered until the sauce thickens and becomes rich. The dish is traditionally served with white rice and paired with chicken, pork chops, or roasted pork, offering a hearty, flavorful meal that's easy to make.

Takeaways

• 😀 The recipe demonstrates how to make Puerto Rican style red beans (habichuelas) with a variety of ingredients.
• 😀 Key ingredients include tomato sauce, Goya small red beans, butternut squash, ham, garlic, Sofrito, and Sasson seasoning.
• 😀 The butternut squash adds a nutty and sweet flavor to the dish, although potatoes can be used as an alternative.
• 😀 The ham used in the recipe can be substituted with other meats like kobasa, sausage, or hot dogs.
• 😀 Sofrito is an essential component of Puerto Rican cuisine, and the script emphasizes the use of a pre-made Sofrito that is very close to homemade.
• 😀 The dish starts with sautéing ham and garlic, followed by adding Sofrito, tomato sauce, and seasonings to create the base for the beans.
• 😀 A can of water and the red beans are added to the base, along with the choice of butternut squash or potatoes.
• 😀 Optional ingredients like olives can be added, and the dish is seasoned to taste, adjusting with salt as needed.
• 😀 The beans boil for 10 minutes, during which the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
• 😀 After boiling, the heat is lowered, and the beans cook for another 10 minutes to allow the sauce to further thicken and develop flavor.
• 😀 The dish is traditionally served with white rice and accompanied by meats like fried chicken, roasted pork chops, or fried pork, with additional recipes available on the channel.

Q & A

What ingredients are needed to make Puerto Rican style red beans?

The ingredients needed are 1/4 cup of tomato sauce, 1 can of Goya small red beans, 1 can of water, olive oil, oregano, 1 cup of butternut squash (or potato), 1 cup of ham (or any other meat like sausage, kobasa, or hot dogs), 2 cloves of garlic, Sofrito, 1 packet of Sasson, and optionally olives.

Can I use a different meat other than ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of meat such as kobasa, sausage, hot dogs, or any meat you prefer.

What is Sofrito and why is it used in the recipe?

Sofrito is a flavorful base used in many Latin dishes, made from garlic, onions, peppers, and other herbs. It adds depth and richness to the Puerto Rican style red beans, providing a key part of the dish's flavor.

Why does the recipe use butternut squash instead of potatoes?

Butternut squash is used for its nuttiness and sweetness, which enhances the flavor of the beans. However, potatoes can be used as a substitute if preferred.

Can the butternut squash be used frozen, and how should it be stored?

Yes, the butternut squash can be used frozen. The squash can be diced, placed in a Ziploc bag, and stored in the freezer for later use.

How long should the ham be sautéed?

The ham should be sautéed for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until it starts to brown. If using frozen ham, it may take a bit longer to cook.

What role does Sasson play in the recipe?

Sasson is a seasoning packet that adds a unique, savory flavor to the beans, giving it an authentic Puerto Rican taste. It is a staple in many Latin dishes.

How long should the beans boil in total?

The beans should boil for 10 minutes initially, after which they should be stirred and allowed to cook for an additional 10 minutes on low heat.

What can I serve with the Puerto Rican style red beans?

Puerto Rican style red beans are traditionally served with white rice, but they can also be paired with fried chicken, roasted pork, or chicken fried pork chops.

Can I adjust the seasoning if the beans need more flavor?

Yes, you can add more salt, or adjust the seasoning to your preference, including adding olives or additional oregano to enhance the flavor.