Heart-Healthy Frijoles Rojos Cocidos Secos

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Latin America with this nourishing recipe for Heart-Healthy Frijoles Rojos Cocidos Secos. Featuring tender red kidney beans slow-simmered with aromatic bay leaf, garlic, and onion, this dish is elevated by the warming flavors of cumin, paprika, and a touch of olive oil. Perfect for those seeking a high-fiber, low-fat vegetarian option, this wholesome recipe skips the lard traditionally found in frijoles, making it a fantastic choice for heart health. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish, while the simple soaking and simmering method ensures that every bite is rich, creamy, and completely satisfying. Serve these red beans as a flavorful side dish, a comforting main over rice, or an ideal component in tacos, burritos, or grain bowls. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is a must-have in your lineup of healthy, homemade staples!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried red kidney beans
• 6 cups water
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 medium onion
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried red kidney beans thoroughly under cool running water, removing any debris or damaged beans.

Step 2

Place the beans in a large bowl and cover them with 3 cups of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours to soften.

Step 3

Drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot. Add 3 cups of fresh water along with the bay leaf.

Step 4

Bring the beans to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid, leaving a slight gap for steam to escape, and cook the beans for about 60-70 minutes. Check occasionally, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

Step 5

While the beans are cooking, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 6

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, or until aromatic.

Step 7

Stir in the cumin powder and paprika into the onion-garlic mixture. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.

Step 8

Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture to the beans.

Step 9

Season the beans with ground black pepper and salt. Stir well to combine the flavors.

Step 10

Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 11

Roughly chop the fresh cilantro and stir it into the beans just before serving.

Step 12

Serve the Heart-Healthy Frijoles Rojos warm, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1826.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	891.8

Total Fat 16.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1285.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 141.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.4g	0%
Total Sugars 11.8g
Protein 50.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 456.0mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 3227.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 16.4%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 61.5%