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Habichuelas Guisadas

Habichuelas Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Beans)

Habichuelas guisadas are classic Puerto Rican stewed beans, meant to be saucy, savory, and spooned over rice. They are simple to make, deeply comforting, and a perfect companion to pernil, mojo pork, or any Latin-inspired meal.

This recipe uses a Puerto Rican–style sofrito as the flavor base. Refer to the Sofrito 101 guide for more information.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup prepared Puerto Rican–style sofrito
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can red or pink beans, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional: ½ cup diced pumpkin, potato, or carrot

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the sofrito and tomato sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the adobo seasoning, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf.
  4. Add the beans (with their liquid) and chicken broth.
  5. If using vegetables, stir them in now.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. The beans should be tender and the sauce slightly thickened.
  9. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Spoon over arroz con gandules or yellow rice
  • Serve alongside pernil or mojo pork
  • Add avocado slices or a simple salad for balance

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftover beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These beans often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Kitchen Confidence Tip

Habichuelas guisadas are meant to be saucy, not thick. If they reduce too much, simply add a splash of water or broth and simmer briefly.