Simple Colombian Beans Recipes

FRIJOLES COLOMBIANOS (COLOMBIAN-STYLE BEANS)

Steps:

• Directions for Pot:
• Wash the beans and soak overnight in cold water. Drain the beans and place in a large pot and add the water and pork hocks. Over medium-high heat, bring the beans to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the beans to cook until almost tender, approximately 2 hours.
• When the beans are cooking, prepare the guiso. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat, add the tomatoes, onions, scallions, salt, garlic, cilantro and ground cumin and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
• When the beans are almost tender, add the guiso, plantains, carrots and salt. Cover and cook for another hour or until the beans are fully cooked. (Add additional water as necessary).
• Directions for Slow Cooker:
• Use the same ingredients except use just 4 cups water instead of 6.
• Wash the beans and soak overnight in cold water. Drain the beans and place in a slow cooker, add 4 cups water and pork hocks and cook on high for about 2 hours.
• Follow step 2 in the regular pot recipe.
• Add the guiso, plantains, carrots and salt then cover and cook for another 3 hours. Taste for salt and serve.

FRIJOLES ROJOS COLOMBIANOS (COLOMBIAN-STYLE RED BEANS)

Steps:

• Place the onions, scallions, garlic, red pepper, green pepper and tomatoes in the food processor. Process for a couple minutes. Set aside.
• In a large pot over medium heat, add the beans, water, broth, carrots and processed vegetables and carrots. Slightly cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
• Add the achiote powder, ground cumin, salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes more or until the beans are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

SIMPLE COLOMBIAN BEANS

Steps:

• Wash beans well with water and take out any debris.
• Place in pressure cooker and cover with water up to the max line (approx 12 cups for a 5 quart pressure cooker).
• Place lid on cooker creating a tight seal cook on high for 35 minutes (this will soften the beans).
• Take pressure cooker of the stove and allow steam to escape completely before opening.
• Add carrots, plantain, sazon, and salt.
• If you like your beans more soupy (which I do) add more water to replace what has been lost, if you do not they will be rather on the dry side and you will have to watch more carefully on the next step because they have a higher risk of burning.
• Cover again and cook on med-high for 20-30 minutes.
• While beans are cooking sauté the tomato, onions, and cilantro in the oil add a pinch of salt.
• Once the beans are done add the hogado and test the beans for softness, if necessary cover and cook an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Serve with white rice and the meat of your choice, enjoy!

COLOMBIAN-STYLE BEANS

Steps:

• Wash beans well; place in large saucepot. Add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Let soak overnight.
• Drain beans; return to saucepot. Add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 1 hour.
• Combine bacon, sofrito and plantains in medium skillet; cook on medium heat 5 min., stirring occasionally. Add to beans in saucepot; simmer an additional 30 min., adding more water if needed. (Beans should be soupy when served.)

COLOMBIAN RED BEANS - FRIJOLES COLOMBIANOS

Steps:

• Sauté the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and reserve for another use, but leave the bacon drippings in the pan.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, chopped scallions, and cumin to the pan. Sauté them in the bacon fat until they are soft, about 5 to 8 minutes.
• Add the beans (including liquid) to the pan. Add sugar, water, and the chicken bouillon. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes more, until most of the water has evaporated and the beans have thickened.
• Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
• Serve with rice.