A good friend of mine always has a pot of authentic Puerto Rican beans on her stove top whenever I visit. This is one of my favorite meals of all time, but it is often made with jarred Sofrito and prepackaged Sazon, both of which contain many unnecessary additives. Sofrito is a thick sauce made primarily from a blend of peppers, onion, and cilantro, and a clean version can easily be made at home in a blender. Sazon is a seasoning packet that can also be replaced by mixing a simple blend of spices without the MSG and food coloring.
My favorite part about this dish is the addition of the potatoes. The potatoes simmer in the sauce while they are cooking and they absorb all of its complex flavors. These beans and potatoes are traditionally served over rice and I find that they also pair well with some greens and an avocado.
My favorite part about this dish is the addition of the potatoes. The potatoes simmer in the sauce while they are cooking and they absorb all of its complex flavors. These beans and potatoes are traditionally served over rice and I find that they also pair well with some greens and an avocado.
YIELDS
3-4 servings
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- For the Sofrito:
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/2 banana pepper
- 1/2 jalapeño
- 1/2 red onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- juice from 1 lime
- For the Sazon:
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the beans:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 15oz can pink beans
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 medium potato, peeled & diced
Directions
1. Prepare your sofrito. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sofrito and cook for about two minutes, until soft.
3. While the sofrito is cooking, prepare the sazon. Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together. Pour over the sofrito and stir well.
4. Add the beans, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and potato to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
6. Cover pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, until potatoes are soft.
7. Remove from heat and serve.
Also by Lauren: Filling & Detoxifying Raw Jackfruit Salsa
Get more like this—Sign up for our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!
__
Photo: Lauren Sacerdote
