Sofrito Beansdominican Republic Food

SOFRITO BEANS(DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)

Steps:

• Heat up some oil in a medium pot.
• Add sofrito and cook past the point where it releases all its juices.
• To the point where it starts to get toasty. That is the yummy bits that will make your beans incredible.
• Next, add the beans.
• And splash in water or stock(stock preferred).
• Simmer gently until the beans are tender and flavorful. This takes about an hour.
• Season generously!

BLACK BEANS STEW

Steps:

• Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Sautee the sofrito, tomato sauce, olives, adobo, bouillon, oregano and ground pepper for about 2 minutes.
• Stir in black beans and water. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until beans are tender and liquid has reduced by half. Squeeze in lemon juice, add cilantro, and stir.
• Serve warm over rice.

ARROZ CON GANDULES (PIGEON PEAS RICE)

Steps:

• In a food processor, pulse the onion, bell pepper, garlic and cilantro until all is chopped very small to make the sofrito.
• In a large cast-iron pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute the sofrito mixture, tomato sauce, chicken bouillon cubes, sazon, oregano, adobo, black pepper and alcaparrado for about 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to release aroma.
• Add the pigeon peas with it's liquid and 2 cups of water. When the water begins to boil, add the rice, stirring occasionally to avoid from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Once the rice has soaked up all the water and begins to dry up, lower the heat to low. Cover and let cook for 25 minutes. Then, stir the rice carefully and cover for an additional 5 minutes.
• Serve warm.

DOMINICAN STYLE RICE AND BEANS

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.

DOMINICAN BEANS

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.

DOMINICAN WHITE RICE

Steps:

• In a large pot over high heat, bring water to a boil after adding the salt.
• Once at a boil, add the rice and stir well.
• Bring to a boil again while stirring frequently.
• Once water evaporates, lower heat to low and add corn oil. Stir well and cover.
• Cook on low for 25 minutes. Do not uncover.
• After 25 minutes, uncover, stir fluffing up the rice.
• Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes.