Belizean Stew Beans: A Hearty, Flavorful Adventure

Belizean stew beans are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. This simple recipe is a staple in Belizean cuisine and can be made with either red kidney or black beans. The process begins by soaking the beans in water overnight, followed by simmering them with a variety of spices, and finally adding in the salt and coconut oil. The end result is a flavourful and hearty dish that can be served with rice, stewed chicken, coleslaw, or fried plantains for a classic Belizean feast.

Soaking the beans

Firstly, place your chosen beans (traditionally dried red kidney beans) in a large bowl or pot and cover them with water. You will need to use plenty of water—enough to cover the beans by about two to three inches. It is important to ensure the beans are fully immersed, as this will help them to soften evenly.

Before you add water, it is a good idea to sort through the beans and remove any debris, such as tiny stones, which may be present. You should also remove any beans that are floating, as these are likely to be stale, and any that you don't like the look of. You can then drain the initial water, which may contain dust, and replace it with fresh water.

Once you have prepared the beans and added fresh water, leave them to soak for at least eight hours. Soaking the beans overnight is the most convenient method, as it allows you to start cooking as soon as you're ready the next day. If you are short on time, you can soak the beans for as little as five hours, but this will increase your overall cooking time.

After the beans have soaked, they will have absorbed most of the water and will have a leathery, flexible texture. At this point, you can begin the cooking process by adding more water and bringing the beans to a boil.

Cooking the beans

Step 1: Sorting and soaking the beans

First, sort through the beans to remove any debris and discard any cracked or odd beans/rocks. Then, cover the beans with water and remove any floating beans (an indicator that they are not fresh). Drain the water and add fresh water, leaving the beans to soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. Soaking the beans helps to reduce the cooking time and improve their texture.

Step 2: Preparing the beans for cooking

After soaking, drain the water and transfer the beans to a deep pot. Cover the beans with fresh water, adding an extra 1-2 inches of water above the level of the beans.

Step 3: Cooking the beans

Add the coconut oil, garlic, cumin seeds, oregano, and bay leaf or allspice to the pot with the beans and water. It is important to note that salt or salted pork products should not be added at this stage, as they can cause the bean skins to toughen. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce the heat to a fast simmer with the lid on. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent the beans from sticking to the bottom. As the beans absorb the water and some evaporates, add more hot water to keep the beans covered.

Step 4: Testing the beans

After about an hour, test the beans by scooping out a spoonful and blowing on them. If the skin on the beans lifts or peels back, they are ready to be seasoned.

Step 5: Seasoning the beans

Once the beans are soft, add the salt (or salted pork product, if using) and chopped onions. Continue to simmer until the flavours meld and the beans are completely soft, swimming in their own gravy.

Step 6: Adjusting seasonings and serving

Taste the beans and adjust the seasonings as needed. Your Belizean stew beans are now ready to be served! They go well with coconut rice, stewed chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, or fried plantains for a classic Belizean meal.

Adding the vegetables and spices

Once your beans have been soaked and boiled, it's time to add the vegetables and spices.

First, add your chopped garlic and onion to the pot. Some recipes suggest frying these ingredients first in a separate pan with some vegetable oil, but this is not necessary. You can also add your whole cumin seeds, dried oregano, and bay leaf or allspice at this stage. If you are using ground cumin, this should be added later, along with the salt.

If you are adding meat to your stewed beans, now is the time to add it. The traditional ingredient is a salted pigtail, but you can also use a ham hock, thick-cut bacon, or another salty pork product. If you are vegetarian or vegan, or you simply don't want to use meat, you can omit this step.

Continue to cook your beans with the vegetables and spices until they are soft. This will take around an hour, but you should check on them regularly and add more water if needed. You can tell the beans are ready when you blow on a spoonful and the skin peels back.

Now, add your ground spices, including the ground cumin, black pepper, and achiote or recado paste. You should also add salt at this stage, unless you have already added a salted meat product. Stir the beans and continue to simmer until they are completely soft and swimming in a thick gravy.

Taste the beans and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can also add coconut oil at this stage for extra flavour.

Adding the meat

Belizean stew beans are typically made with salted pigtail, which is added to the dish to give it a savoury flavour and something meaty to chew on. If you don't want to use pigtail, you can omit it or substitute it with another salty pork product such as ham hock, thick-cut bacon, or leftover spiral ham bone.

If using salted pigtail or another salted pork product, do not add any additional salt to the dish, as this will be provided by the meat. If you are not using meat, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of salt, or to taste.

To add the meat to the dish, heat some vegetable or coconut oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add your chosen meat or salt pork to the hot oil, along with chopped onion, garlic, and spices. Sauté this mixture until the onions start to turn translucent.

At this point, you can add the beans and water to the pot and continue with the rest of the recipe. If you are using uncooked meat, make sure it is cooked through before adding the other ingredients to the pot.

Serving suggestions

Belizean stewed beans are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Traditional Belizean Meal

For a classic taste of Belize, serve your stewed beans with coconut rice, coleslaw or potato salad, fried plantains or bluggos (a type of cooking banana found in Belize), and stewed chicken or fried fish. This combination captures the essence of Belizean cuisine and is a popular choice for a hearty and flavourful meal.

Rice and Beans

Combine your Belizean stewed beans with rice to create a complete protein dish that is both nutritious and complementary on the plate. This duo is a staple in Belizean households and can be enjoyed at any meal, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's a simple yet satisfying option that showcases the beans in all their glory.

Refried Beans

Take your leftover stewed beans and transform them into refried beans for a new texture and taste experience. Mash the beans with a fork or potato masher, adding some fat (olive oil, canola oil, coconut oil, or even lard) and hot sauce or spices to taste. These refried beans are excellent for breakfast with eggs and tortillas or you can use them to make bean burritos or nachos for a quick lunch or dinner.

Rice Bowl

Create a rice bowl by pairing your Belizean stewed beans with coconut rice and a variety of vegetables. This option allows you to customise your meal with your favourite veggies and enjoy the beans in a healthy, well-rounded dish. It's a great way to add some colour and nutrition to your plate while still enjoying the flavours of Belize.

Bean Dip

Blend your Belizean stewed beans into a creamy bean dip that can be enjoyed as an appetiser or snack. Serve it with tortilla chips, crudites, or your favourite dippers for a tasty treat. This option is perfect for when you want to enjoy the flavour of the beans in a more casual, bite-sized format.

Freezing for Later

If you find yourself with a large batch of Belizean stewed beans, consider freezing portions for later. This way, you can defrost and enjoy them whenever you're craving a taste of Belize. Frozen beans can be used in a variety of dishes, from rice and beans to soups and dips, ensuring that you always have a taste of Belize within reach.

Frequently asked questions