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Frijoles Colorados

A Cuban red bean stew cooked with savory chorizo, calabaza squash, and aromatic spices. It offers a thick, comforting texture that is traditionally served over white rice.

55 minEasyServes 6310 cal/serving

CubanDinnerStovetopHigh FiberStandardGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 oz fresh chorizo sausage, diced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup calabaza squash, cubed
  • 30 oz canned red kidney beans
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. 2

    Add 4 oz diced fresh chorizo sausage and cook for 6 minutes until browned and the internal temperature reaches 160F.

  3. 3

    Add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.

  4. 4

    Stir in 1 cup cubed calabaza squash, 30 oz canned red kidney beans, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 dried bay leaf.

  5. 5

    Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until squash is tender.

  6. 6

    Remove dried bay leaf, stir in 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and crush some beans against the pot wall to thicken.

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Questions

What is Frijoles Colorados?

A Cuban red bean stew cooked with savory chorizo, calabaza squash, and aromatic spices. It offers a thick, comforting texture that is traditionally served over white rice. This reference files it under Cuban dinner: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 55 minutes start to finish.

How long does Frijoles Colorados take?

As written, 55 minutes: 15 of prep and 40 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (25 minutes): "Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until squash is tender."

What internal temperature should Frijoles Colorados reach?

For Frijoles Colorados, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What can I use instead of chorizo in Frijoles Colorados?

The entry for Frijoles Colorados calls for 4 oz fresh chorizo sausage, diced. In its place: Mexican chorizo is raw and Spanish chorizo is cured, and they are not interchangeable. For the raw kind, season ground pork with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic and a splash of vinegar. For the cured kind, use another firm smoked sausage with extra smoked paprika.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned in Frijoles Colorados?

Yes. One 15-ounce can is about one and a half cups of cooked beans, which comes from a generous half cup dried. Soak them overnight and simmer until tender before you start the recipe. As written, the entry for Frijoles Colorados uses 30 oz canned red kidney beans.

How many calories are in Frijoles Colorados?

One serving (the recipe makes 6) is about 310 calories, with 15 g protein, 42 g carbohydrate and 9 g fat, plus 11 g fiber and 680 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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