Dominican Beans Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Rebecca Novak published on June 4, 2023, last modified on July 15, 2023

Dominican Beans is a simple and delicious dish made with red kidney beans and other flavorful ingredients. It’s the perfect dish to make on busy weeknights when you need something hearty and nutritious. 

This recipe is great for meal prepping too! Enjoy Dominican Beans served over white rice or with some crusty bread.

In this article,  you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious dish, as well as some tips and nutrition information. So let’s get started!

Dominican Beans Recipe

What are Dominican Beans?

Dominican Beans is a traditional Dominican dish made with red kidney beans, garlic, cilantro, tomato paste, and adobo seasoning. It’s an easy and flavorful meal. 

The best part about this recipe is that it can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.  It can also be made in advance so that you have a quick meal ready for busy weeknights!

What does it taste like?

Dominican Beans have a savory, slightly smoky flavor due to the adobo seasoning. The red kidney beans provide a creamy texture and earthy flavor. 

The garlic, cilantro, and tomato paste add even more depth of flavor to the dish. Finally, a hint of sweetness is added by the red onion pieces.  

All these flavors come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. 

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How did I first get introduced to the Dominican Beans?

I first got introduced to Dominican Beans when I was visiting family in the Dominican Republic. The dish is a staple there, and it was love at first bite! 

I was so impressed by the flavor of this simple but delicious dish that I decided to recreate it at home.  Now it’s become one of my favorite weeknight dinners.  

I love the simplicity of the ingredients and the depth of flavors that come from this dish.  It’s definitely a winner in my book!

How to make Dominican Beans?

Making Dominican Beans is easy and doesn’t take too much time. Here are the ingredients & step-by-step instructions:

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: This ingredient helps to sauté the garlic and cilantro.
  • Garlic: To provide flavor and aroma to the beans.
  • Cilantro sprigs: Provide a nice herbal flavor for the beans.
  • Chicken bouillon cubes (or veggies for vegetarians): For added flavor and saltiness.
  • Cubanelle pepper: To add a little bit of spicy flavor.
  • Tomato paste: For added richness and depth of flavor.
  • Adobo seasoning: This provides a smoky and flavorful element to the beans.
  • Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the beans, adjust according to your taste.
  • White rice: A great accompaniment to the beans. Not included in the macros.
  • Dried red kidney beans: This is what makes it a Dominican Beans dish!
  • Red onion: To provide a nice sweetness and balance to the flavors of the beans. 
Dominican Beans Recipe

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and cilantro and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 2

Stir in chicken bouillon cubes, Cubanelle pepper, tomato paste, adobo seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook while stirring for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Add in the red kidney beans and enough water to cover the beans. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.

Step 4

Once the beans are cooked through, stir in onion pieces and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if necessary.

Step 5

Serve the beans over white rice and enjoy!

Tips

• For a vegetarian version, use veggie bouillon cubes instead of chicken bouillon cubes.

• If you don’t have adobo seasoning, use smoky paprika instead.

• You can also add cooked bacon or smoked sausage to the beans for added flavor and texture.

• To keep your beans from becoming too soupy, make sure to simmer them uncovered.

Dominican Beans Recipe

Dominican Beans Recipe

Dominican Beans is a simple and delicious dish made with red kidney beans and other flavorful ingredients. It’s the perfect dish to make on busy weeknights when you need something hearty and nutritious.
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Soak Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Dominican, Latin
Keyword: Dominican Beans Recipe
Servings: 12
Calories: 158kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

  • Large Stock Pot
  • Can Opener
  • Colander

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves crushed garlic
  • 1/4 bunch of cilantro sprigs
  • 2 chicken bouillon cubes, I use Maggi (or veggie for vegetarian)
  • 1 cubanelle pepper, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
  • kosher salt, or to taste
  • white rice, for serving (not counted in macros)
  • 1 lb dried red kidney beans
  • 1 red onion, cut into 8 pieces

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and cilantro and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in chicken bouillon cubes, Cubanelle pepper, tomato paste, adobo seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook while stirring for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Add in the red kidney beans and enough water to cover the beans. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
  • Once the beans are cooked through, stir in onion pieces and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if necessary.Serve the beans over white rice and enjoy!
  • Serve the beans over white rice and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, use veggie bouillon cubes instead of chicken bouillon cubes.
  • If you don’t have adobo seasoning, use smoky paprika instead.
  • You can also add cooked bacon or smoked sausage to the beans for added flavor and texture.
  • To keep your beans from becoming too soupy, make sure to simmer them uncovered.

Nutrition

Calories: 158kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 158 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 25.5 g
  • Protein: 8.5 g
  • Sodium: 617.5 mg
  • Fat: 2.5 g
  • Fiber: 5.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Sugar: 1.5 g

What to serve with Dominican Beans?

Dominican Beans go well with a variety of sides. Some classic accompaniments include: 

  • White rice:  A classic accompaniment that adds an extra layer of comfort to the dish.
  • Green Salad: To add some color and freshness to your meal.
  • Fried ripe Plantains: For a delicious sweet and salty side.
  • Avocado slices: To provide a creamy texture and healthy fats.
  • Chips or tostones: For a crunchy and salty addition.
  • Cornbread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful bean broth.

No matter which sides you choose with your Dominican Beans, you’re sure to have a delicious meal!

How to store leftover Dominican Beans?

Leftover Dominican Beans can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

To freeze, place cooled beans and broth into a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in a pot on the stovetop.

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can eat Dominican Beans. It is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that provides protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. 

However, it’s important to note that any food cooked with garlic may increase the risk of heartburn during pregnancy.

FAQs 

Can it be served cold?

Yes, Dominican Beans can be served cold. Simply make a batch of the beans as directed in the recipe and let it cool completely before storing them in an air-tight container. 

When ready to serve, scoop some of the cooled beans onto a plate or bowl and enjoy! You can also drizzle some olive oil over top for added flavor.

Can I substitute the red kidney beans?

Yes, you can substitute the red kidney beans with other types of dried beans such as black beans or pinto beans. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of bean used.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the chicken bouillon cubes and substituting it with veggie bouillon cubes. You can also add additional vegetables such as mushrooms or squash for an added nutrition boost.

Wrapping Up

Dominican Beans is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepped for later. Try it today and you won’t be disappointed!  

With their savory flavors and creamy texture, Dominican Beans are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy over white rice or with some crusty bread – it’s delicious either way!  

Plus, this dish is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious choice for any night of the week. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you found all the information useful and now have a better understanding of how to prepare Dominican Beans.

Bon appetit!

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Author Profile
Rebecca Novak, Registered Dietitian & Chef

Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more

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