Dominican Beans Recipes

Steps:

• Puree half of beans in a food processor or blender with 1 cup water until smooth.
• Tie cilantro into a tight bundle with string.
• Cook onion and garlic in olive oil in a 5-6 quart pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened but not browned, about 8 minutes.
• Add tomato paste, vinegar, and 1 cup water, then bring to a boil and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
• Add pureed and whole beans, Italian frying pepper halves, cilantro, bay leaves, salt, oregano, pepper and remaining 2 cups water, then simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 1 1/2 hours (mixture will reduce and thicken).
• Remove and discard Italian pepper halves, cilantro, and bay leaves, then serve.

Steps:

• Purée half of beans in food processor with 1 cup water until smooth.
• Tie cilantro into a tight bundle with string.
• Cook onion and garlic in olive oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softeneed but not brown, about 8 minutes. Add tomato paste, vinegar, and 1 cup water, then bring to a boil and cook, stirring, 2 minutes.
• Add puréed and whole beans, Cubanelle pepper halves, cilantro, bay leaves, salt, oregano, pepper, and remaining 2 cups water, then simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 1 1/2 hours (mixture will reduce and thicken). Remove and discard Cubanelle pepper halves, cilantro, and bay leaves, then serve.

Steps:

• Presoak beans overnight or for a minimum of 3 hours in a large container with enough water to generously cover. Drain water, transfer beans to a large stockpot, and cover with 5 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium, add the ham or bacon pieces, partially cover, and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup of water and continue cooking for 30 to 35 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make a sofrito: In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, bell pepper, cilantro, and half of the onion and process to a coarse paste.
• In a small skillet, heat the oil. Add the sofrito mixture, and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, tomato, vinegar, and remaining onion to the beans and cook for 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes. Use a large spoon to separate the rice and bean mixture from the sides of the pot (do not stir any further or the mixture will break up and take on a gluey consistency). The dish is done when the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is fluffy.