Belizean Stewed Beans with Pork
A hearty and flavorful dish of slow-cooked beans, typically red kidney beans, simmered with tender pieces of pork and seasoned with aromatic spices. It's a comforting and staple meal in Belizean households.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried red kidney beans(soaked overnight)
- 500 g Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 6 cups Water(or enough to cover)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 0.5 tsp Allspice berries
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain and rinse the soaked kidney beans. Place them in a large pot with 6 cups of fresh water.
- 2
Add the cubed pork shoulder to the pot with the beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the beans and pork are tender.
💡 Tip: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering. - 3
While the beans and pork are simmering, heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste, allspice berries, and bay leaf into the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Add the sautéed vegetable mixture to the pot with the beans and pork. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Continue to simmer the stew, uncovered, for another hour, or until the beans are very tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water. If too thin, simmer uncovered for longer. - 7
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the pork cubes before adding them to the pot.
- ✓Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.
- ✓This dish pairs well with white rice or fried plantains.
🔄 Variations
- Add a smoked ham hock for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
- Include a pinch of ground cumin for added warmth.