Name: Dominican Beans Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 9 h 30 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 lb red kidney beans; 2 tbsp olive oil; 6 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp tomato paste; ¼ bunch cilantro sprigs; 1 red onion; 1 cubanelle pepper; 2 chicken bouillon cubes; 1½ tsp adobo seasoning; kosher salt; white rice

This traditional Dominican beans recipe brings a rich and hearty flavor to your table. The combination of herbs, spices, and savory broth creates a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with white rice.

Photos of Dominican Beans Recipe

For this recipe, you may need to source specific ingredients like adobo seasoning, chicken bouillon cubes, and a cubanelle pepper. These might not be staples in every pantry but are typically available at larger supermarkets or specialty stores. Ensure you have these items on hand to achieve the authentic Dominican flavor.

Ingredients For Dominican Beans Recipe

Red kidney beans: These are the primary protein source and base for this hearty dish.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the beans.

Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and flavor to the dish.

Tomato paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

Cilantro sprigs: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the beans.

Red onion: Contributes sweetness and texture to the sautéed vegetables.

Cubanelle pepper: Offers a mild pepper flavor without overwhelming heat.

Chicken bouillon cubes: Infuses the beans with savory chicken flavor.

Adobo seasoning: A blend of spices that adds depth and a hint of heat.

Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.

White rice: The perfect accompaniment to the creamy beans, helping to balance the meal.

One reader, Joeann Stoner says:

This Dominican beans recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and authentic, and the beans come out perfectly creamy. It's a comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with rice. Highly recommend!

Joeann Stoner

Techniques Required for Dominican Beans Recipe

How to soak beans: Cover the beans with water and let them sit overnight to soften. How to use a pressure cooker or instant pot: Seal the pot and cook at high pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a natural release. How to sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a skillet and cook garlic, tomato paste, cilantro, red onion, pepper, and bouillon cubes for about 10 minutes, stirring often. How to puree beans: Blend 25% of the cooked beans and liquid until smooth, then return to the pot. How to season: Add adobo seasoning and salt to taste. How to reduce liquid: Boil the beans uncovered over medium-low heat until the texture becomes creamy and the liquid reduces, stirring often.

How To Make Dominican Beans

This slow cooker adobo seasoned Dominican beans recipe is made flavorful with garlic, tomato paste, cubanelle pepper, and cilantro for a comforting dish.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 15 minutes

Soaking Time: 8 hours

Total: 9 hours 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbred kidney beans,dried
2tbspolive oil
6clovesgarlic,crushed
1tbsptomato paste
¼bunchcilantro sprigs
1red onion,cut into 8 pieces
1cubanelle pepper,cut in 4 pieces
2chicken bouillon cubes,Maggi or veggie for vegetarian
1½tspadobo seasoning
kosher salt,or to taste
white rice,for serving

Instructions

Put beans in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot and cover them with water so there are 2-inches over them (10 cups).
Soak overnight, but don’t drain.
Next day, cover and seal the pressure cooker (or Instant Pot) over medium heat, when the pot comes to pressure cook high pressure 20 minutes. Natural release.
While the pressure releases, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat and add garlic, tomato paste, cilantro, red onion, pepper, bouillon cube and saute about 10 minutes, stirring.
Open the pressure cooker when the steam releases, take 25% of the beans and liquid and transfer to the blender. Puree well then return to the pot.
Add adobo seasoning and salt (about 1 teaspoon), or to taste.
Add the sauteed vegetables to the beans and bring to a boil over medium heat. (In the Instant Pot use the saute button.)
Boil uncovered over medium-low heat until the texture becomes creamy and the liquid reduces, about 30 minutes stirring often.
Remove cilantro, pepper, and onion and serve over rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 159.06kcal
Fat: 2.75g
Saturated Fat: 0.40g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.70g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.49g
Carbohydrates: 25.68g
Fiber: 6.22g
Sugar: 1.66g
Protein: 9.02g
Cholesterol: 0.10mg
Sodium: 208.51mg
Calcium: 41.90mg
Potassium: 574.03mg
Iron: 2.76mg
Vitamin A: 5.81µg
Vitamin C: 11.28mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Dominican Beans

To achieve a richer flavor in your Dominican beans, consider roasting the garlic and red onion before adding them to the skillet. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Dominican Beans

Use canned beans: Substitute red kidney beans with canned beans to skip the soaking and pressure cooking steps.

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop garlic, red onion, and cubanelle pepper ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Instant pot sauté: Use the sauté function on your instant pot to cook the vegetables directly, reducing the need for a separate skillet.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of beans and freeze portions for future meals.

Pre-made adobo: Use pre-made adobo seasoning to save time on measuring and mixing spices.

Substitute Ingredients For Dominican Beans Recipe

red kidney beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable replacement in most recipes.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good alternative.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less intense and lacks the texture of fresh garlic.
tomato paste - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used in a pinch, though it is less concentrated, so you may need to use more to achieve the same depth of flavor.
cilantro sprigs - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can mimic the brightness of cilantro.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a similar texture and a slightly milder flavor, making them a good substitute.
cubanelle pepper - Substitute with bell pepper: Bell peppers have a similar texture and a mild, sweet flavor that can stand in for cubanelle peppers.
chicken bouillon cubes - Substitute with vegetable bouillon cubes: Vegetable bouillon cubes provide a similar depth of flavor and are a good alternative for those avoiding meat products.
adobo seasoning - Substitute with garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano: This combination can mimic the complex flavors of adobo seasoning.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor, making it an appropriate substitute.
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice offers a similar texture but with more fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier alternative.

Best Way to Present Dominican Beans

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the Dominican beans in a refined, minimalist portion to highlight the dish's elegance and complexity.
Use decoration: Garnish with finely chopped cilantro and a delicate drizzle of olive oil to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Layer the components: Place a perfectly molded scoop of white rice at the center of the plate, then gently ladle the creamy beans around it, creating a harmonious balance.
Highlight textures: Ensure the beans have a creamy consistency while the rice remains fluffy, offering a delightful contrast in textures.
Use high-quality ingredients: Emphasize the use of fresh cilantro, vibrant cubanelle pepper, and aromatic garlic to elevate the dish's flavors.
Add a pop of color: Include a small side of finely diced red onion and cubanelle pepper to add vibrant color and a slight crunch.
Incorporate a sauce: Create a light tomato paste reduction to drizzle around the plate, enhancing the visual appeal and adding depth to the flavor profile.
Use elegant plating: Serve the dish on a pristine white plate with a wide rim to frame the beans and rice, allowing the colors and textures to stand out.
Focus on aroma: Finish with a light sprinkle of adobo seasoning and a hint of kosher salt to enhance the aroma, making the dish irresistible to the senses.
Maintain balance: Ensure each bite offers a balanced mix of beans, rice, and sautéed vegetables, providing a harmonious and satisfying experience.

Essential Tools for Making Dominican Beans Recipe

Pressure cooker: Used to cook the beans quickly and efficiently by applying high pressure.
Instant pot: An alternative to the pressure cooker, it can also be used to cook the beans under high pressure.
Large skillet: Used for sautéing the garlic, tomato paste, cilantro, red onion, pepper, and bouillon cube.
Blender: Used to puree a portion of the beans and liquid to achieve a creamy texture.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the water for soaking and cooking the beans.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, tomato paste, and adobo seasoning.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the sautéed vegetables and the beans.
Knife: Used for chopping the garlic, red onion, and cubanelle pepper.
Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the vegetables.
Rice cooker: Used to cook the white rice that will be served with the beans.
Serving spoon: Used for serving the beans over the rice.
Colander: Optional, for rinsing the beans if desired before soaking.

How To Store and Freeze Dominican Beans

Let the dominican beans cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days.
To freeze the beans, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure to leave some headspace for expansion during freezing. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to use the frozen beans, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or chicken broth to thin out the consistency if the beans have thickened too much during storage.
If you have leftover rice, store it separately from the beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to help rehydrate it before serving with the reheated beans.
For best quality, consume the stored or frozen dominican beans within the recommended time frames. After that, the texture and flavor of the beans may start to deteriorate.

How To Reheat Leftover Dominican Beans

Stovetop method: transfer the leftover dominican beans to a saucepan and add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the desired consistency is reached. This method allows you to control the moisture content and prevent the beans from drying out.
Microwave method: place the leftover dominican beans in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the beans are heated through. Be careful not to overheat the beans, as they can easily dry out or become rubbery in the microwave.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover dominican beans to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the beans are heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large quantity of beans to reheat and want to maintain their original texture.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover dominican beans to a slow cooker and add a small amount of chicken broth or water to prevent the beans from drying out. Set the slow cooker to low heat and allow the beans to reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the beans warm and moist for an extended period, making it ideal for potlucks or gatherings.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the dominican beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may find that the flavors have intensified overnight, so you might need to add a little extra chicken broth, water, or seasonings to balance the taste. Additionally, if the beans have thickened too much during storage, you can always thin them out with a bit of liquid to achieve the desired consistency.

Random Fact About Dominican Beans Recipe

A random fact about this recipe is that red kidney beans are a staple in Dominican cuisine, often paired with white rice to create a complete protein source. This combination is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced, providing essential amino acids that are crucial for a healthy diet.

Is Making Dominican Beans Economical for Home Cooking?

This Dominican beans recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using staple ingredients like red kidney beans, garlic, tomato paste, and rice, it keeps the budget in check. The use of cilantro, red onion, and cubanelle pepper adds flavor without breaking the bank. With an approximate cost of $10-$12 for a household of 4 people, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 on the cost-effectiveness scale.

Is This Dominican Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Dominican beans recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that offers several health benefits. Red kidney beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate, iron, and magnesium. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while garlic and onions offer antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and is rich in vitamins A and K. The recipe also incorporates a variety of spices, which can aid in digestion and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:

Reduce the amount of bouillon cubes or replace them with low-sodium or homemade vegetable broth to decrease the overall sodium content.
Consider using brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.
Add more vegetables to the dish, such as diced carrots or bell peppers, to boost the nutrient profile and add more color and texture.
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like thyme or cumin, to enhance the flavor without relying on excess salt.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Dominican Dish

This Dominican beans recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The use of red kidney beans provides a hearty base, while the sautéed garlic, cilantro, red onion, and cubanelle pepper add aromatic depth. The tomato paste and bouillon cubes enrich the broth, creating a savory and satisfying dish. Pureeing a portion of the beans adds a creamy consistency, enhancing the overall texture. The adobo seasoning and kosher salt bring the perfect balance of seasoning. Served over white rice, this dish is both comforting and flavorful, making it a fantastic addition to any meal repertoire.

Enhance Your Dominican Beans Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Tostones: Imagine the crispy delight of tostones—golden-fried plantains that add a satisfying crunch to your meal. These savory bites are the perfect contrast to the creamy Dominican beans, offering a delightful textural balance that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Avocado Salad: A refreshing avocado salad can elevate your dining experience. Picture ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers tossed in a zesty lime dressing. This vibrant salad not only adds a burst of color to your plate but also complements the rich flavors of the beans beautifully.

Maduros: Sweet and caramelized maduros are a must-try. These ripe plantains are fried to perfection, creating a sweet and savory side that pairs wonderfully with the savory Dominican beans. The natural sweetness of the maduros adds a delightful contrast that will leave you craving more.

Dominican Potato Salad: A creamy Dominican potato salad can be the ultimate comfort food companion. Imagine tender potatoes mixed with mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, and a hint of mustard. This hearty salad is a perfect match for the robust flavors of the beans, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.

Yuca Fries: For a unique twist, try yuca fries. These crispy cassava sticks are fried to golden perfection and seasoned with a touch of sea salt. The crunchy exterior and soft interior of the yuca fries provide a delightful contrast to the creamy Dominican beans, making each bite an adventure.

Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Dominican Beans

Dominican Chicken Stew: Dive into the rich flavors of Dominican cuisine with this hearty chicken stew. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered with a medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a comforting dish that's perfect over a bed of white rice.

Mangu with Sauteed Onions: Experience the traditional Dominican breakfast with Mangu, a savory dish made from mashed plantains. Topped with sauteed red onions and served with a side of fried cheese or salami, this dish is a flavorful start to your day.

Sancocho: Warm up with a bowl of Sancocho, a hearty Dominican soup made with a variety of meats and root vegetables. This comforting dish is perfect for gatherings and showcases the rich culinary heritage of the Dominican Republic.

Tostones: Crispy and golden, Tostones are twice-fried plantain slices that make for a delicious snack or side dish. Serve them with a garlic dipping sauce or alongside your favorite meat dishes for an authentic Dominican experience.

Arroz con Leche: Indulge in the creamy sweetness of Arroz con Leche, a traditional Dominican dessert made with rice, milk, and cinnamon. This comforting rice pudding is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Dominican Beans Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Plantain Cups: Transform ripe plantains into delightful cups filled with a savory mixture. Begin by slicing and frying the plantains until golden brown. Shape them into small cups and fill with a mixture of seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and onions. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and bake until melted and bubbly. These bite-sized delights are perfect for starting your meal with a burst of flavor.

Tostones with Avocado Dip: Create a crispy and creamy combination by serving tostones with a rich avocado dip. Slice green plantains and fry them until golden. Smash them into flat rounds and fry again until crispy. Pair these crunchy delights with a smooth dip made from ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of garlic. This appetizer offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Desserts:

Flan: Imagine a silky caramel custard that melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. This dessert is a delightful way to end your meal, with its rich caramel sauce cascading over the smooth custard. The subtle hints of vanilla and citrus zest elevate the flavors, making each bite a luxurious experience. Serve chilled for a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty Dominican beans main course.

Tres Leches Cake: Indulge in a moist and decadent cake soaked in a trio of milks, creating a luscious texture that is both light and rich. This dessert is topped with a fluffy whipped cream layer, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness. The cake absorbs the milks beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of delight, making it a perfect complement to your Dominican beans meal.

Why trust this Dominican Beans Recipe:

This recipe for Dominican beans is a trusted favorite, combining authentic flavors with simple instructions. Using red kidney beans and fresh ingredients like cilantro and cubanelle pepper, it captures the essence of Dominican cuisine. The step-by-step process ensures a creamy, flavorful dish every time. Perfectly paired with white rice, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore new culinary horizons.

Share your thoughts on this Dominican Beans Recipe in the World Cuisines forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you'd like to try!

FAQ:

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Just skip the soaking and pressure cooking steps. Drain and rinse the canned beans, then proceed with the recipe from the step where you sauté the vegetables.

How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the beans for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the chicken bouillon cubes and use vegetable bouillon or broth instead. The flavor will still be delicious and satisfying.

What can I use instead of adobo seasoning?

If you don't have adobo seasoning, you can make a quick substitute by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and a bit of salt. Adjust the quantities to your taste.

How do I make the beans creamier?

To make the beans creamier, you can blend a larger portion of the beans and liquid. Instead of blending 25%, try blending 50% of the beans and liquid before returning them to the pot. This will give you a thicker, creamier texture.