Print

Puerto Rican Style Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

This authentic Puerto Rican Style Beans recipe features tender red beans simmered with aromatic spices, peppers, garlic, and potatoes in a rich broth. Perfectly seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of heat from jalapeno and cayenne, these beans offer a hearty, comforting side or main dish ideal for pairing with rice or tostones.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2–3 teaspoons (10-15g) garlic, minced
  • ½–1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (1-2g) fresh cilantro (or parsley), finely chopped
  • 1 medium-large potato, peeled and chopped
  • fresh cilantro (or parsley leaves, optional for garnishing)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon (3g) cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) smoked paprika
  • ¼–½ teaspoon (0.5-1g) cayenne pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 packet Sazón Goya with coriander (any Sazón without annatto)
  • salt to taste

Liquids and Others

  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) or more canola oil
  • 4 cups (920g) cooked red beans (or three 15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained)
  • 2 cups (479ml) or more broth (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
  • ¼ cup (85g) tomato sauce

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the canola oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, cumin, minced jalapenos, fresh cilantro, smoked paprika, chopped bell pepper, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to brown the ingredients to preserve their delicate flavors.
  2. Add Beans and Liquids: Stir in the cooked red beans, broth, peeled and chopped potatoes, tomato sauce, Sazón Goya packet, and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
  3. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
  4. Adjust Seasoning and Consistency: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices if desired. If the beans are too thick, add more broth to reach your preferred consistency.
  5. Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve the beans hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves if using. These beans pair beautifully with white rice and tostones for a classic Puerto Rican meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute canned beans with freshly cooked beans if preferred; adjust broth quantity accordingly.
  • For a spicier version, retain the jalapeno seeds or increase cayenne pepper.
  • If you cannot find Sazón Goya, use a combination of ground coriander and a pinch of turmeric as a substitute.
  • To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth and ensure Sazón Goya or any seasoning used is free from animal products.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well.

Keywords: Puerto Rican beans, red beans recipe, traditional Puerto Rican side, seasoned beans, beans and potatoes

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/puerto-rican-style-beans-recipe/