Haitian Black Bean Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) black beans, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) black beans, soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cloves 2 cloves
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 1 pound (450g) pork or beef, cubed 1 pound (450g) pork or beef, cubed
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 12g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened.
2. 2.
   Add the meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Drain the soaked black beans and add them to the pot along with the thyme, cloves, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaves and cloves from the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. 6.
   Serve the Haitian Black Bean Stew over steamed rice and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black beans — Soaking the black beans overnight helps to reduce cooking time and ensures they cook evenly. Discard the soaking water before using.
• Coconut milk — Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture in the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of smoked paprika to the stew.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked beans with a fork or blend a portion of the stew before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Haitian Black Bean Stew with a side of steamed rice and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.