Puerto Rican Black Beans Recipe: Treasured for its rich taste and deep cultural roots as well as being a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, Puerto Rican Black Beans are also known as ”Frijoles Negros”. Blend together the earthy flavour of black beans with a mix of spices and other ingredients reflecting Puerto Rican cooking. Whether as a side dish or the main course, Puerto Rican Black Beans impart a taste of tropical America to any meal. The dish is easy and adaptable, so it is open to taste preferences while continuing to retain its original form.
The basis of a Puerto Rican Black Beans recipe is its simple yet spicy ingredients. Onions, garlic, green peppers and spices such as oregano and hot pepper are added to the beans as they are typically cooked slowly. A little vinegar, bay leaves and perhaps a little ham or pork bone give a well-layered dish which is both appetizingly mellow and fulfilling. Accompanied with rice, in a taco or perhaps as the stuffing for empanadas, truly tastes like the best of Puerto Rico.
Making Puerto Rican Black Beans at home is a joy, as one can discover the flavours of Puerto Rico without needing to buy expensive ingredients or master complex methods. With just a few things from your kitchen cupboard, now everyone can make an exact copy of this famous dish, and so relive the unique flavour of the islands. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or to welcome the new day, this Puerto Rican Black Beans recipe will not let you down.
Origins of Puerto Rican Black Beans Recipe
Puerto Rican black beans’ origin can be traced back to the island’s rich cultural history: here, indigenous African and Spanish influences merged to form the unique tastes of Puerto Rican cuisine. The Caribbean was no stranger to beans – in the islands, dietary staples like black beans had long come into use. They are inexpensive, easy to cook, and nutritious, suitable for everyone to eat. The Taino people and their descendants, the island’s original inhabitants, grew beans and other legumes in their agricultural activities.
Nonetheless, it was African slaves brought to Puerto Rico during the colonial era who played a major role in the use of beans in savoury dishes, adding rich seasonings and spices to the recipe. Spanish settlers introduced new ingredients such as garlic, onions and olive oil: combined with African cooking techniques, this provided the groundwork for what would become Puerto Rican black beans. Then, with time, the addition of sofrito to the recipe (a fragrant mixture of herbs and vegetables) gave a different depth of flavour. Instead of simple beans, came a dish with complex savour and delight. Puerto Rican black beans are today a cherished comfort food that captures a blend of the island’s multiple cultural heritages.
They contain a perfect mix of indigenous, African and Spanish influences. Puerto Rican black beans are often served with rice, a traditional meal here that combines beans and rice, named “arroz con habichuelas.” It is a reflection of how practical Puerto Rican families made use of whatever was at hand to produce delicious, hearty meals. The dish has been passed down through generations of Puerto Rican households and is now enjoyed all around the world as a testament to the island’s culinary prowess.
Puerto Rican Black Beans Recipe From Oohdish!
Puerto Rican Black Beans
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener (if using canned beans)
- Knife and chopping board
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black beans or 3 cans of cooked black beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth for more flavor
- 1/2 cup ham or pork optional, diced
- Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- If using dried beans, rinse and soak them overnight. Drain the beans before cooking. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse them under cold water.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
- If using ham or pork, add it to the pot and cook until browned. If not, skip this step.
- Add the beans to the pot along with the water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours (if using dried beans), or 30 minutes (if using canned beans), until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the beans are cooked, add the vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir and adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Serve the beans hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a ham hock or smoked sausage to the beans while cooking.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mash some of the beans with a spoon or potato masher before serving.
- Puerto Rican Black Beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can also be frozen for longer storage.
- This dish pairs beautifully with white rice, but can also be served in tacos, on top of a salad, or as a filling for empanadas.
Share Your Twist!
We all have our own take on classic recipes. What’s your recipe for Puerto Rican Black Beans? Do you like it spicy up with some chilli peppers? Or maybe you like a no-meat version. Or if you are a little adventurous, add more garlic for that extra punch. Share your thoughts and changes below, and we hope this dish becomes your very own signature!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Puerto Rican Black Beans?
Puerto Rican Black Beans, or “Frijoles Negros,” are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. They are made with black beans, onions, garlic, peppers, and a variety of spices, offering a flavorful and hearty dish often served with rice or in tacos.
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, you can use canned black beans to save time. Simply drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How long does it take to cook Puerto Rican Black Beans?
If you’re using dried beans, it typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to cook them. If using canned beans, you only need to simmer them for about 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! You can make the recipe vegan by omitting any meat (like ham or pork) and using vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
How do I store leftover Puerto Rican Black Beans?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the beans for up to 3 months for later use.
