This Colombian Style Red Beans recipe is very simple to make, and even though it takes a couple hours to cook and the beans need to soak overnight, preparing them is very easy.
Beans are one of those foods that every Colombian eats, and personally, I love beans so much that I can eat them with rice every day. They are definitely my comfort food. There are many bean soups variations in Colombia depending on the cook, family and the region. All the recipes I share here are my family, friends and my own Colombian dishes.
Some essential side dishes for the red beans are avocado, white rice, fried ripe plantains, and finally, your choice of fried egg, grilled beef, pork, chicken or fish.
Frijoles Rojos Colombianos (Colombian-Style Red Beans)
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry red beans soaked overnight
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 scallions diced
- 5 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 cup of diced and peeled tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon achiote powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cups of water
- 4 cups chicken beef or vegetable broth
- 2 large carrots peeled and diced
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the onions, scallions, garlic, red pepper, green pepper and tomatoes in the food processor. Process for a couple minutes. Set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the beans, water, broth, carrots and processed vegetables and carrots. Slightly cover and simmer for 1 ½ hours.
- Add the achiote powder, ground cumin, salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer for 30 to 40 minutes more or until the beans are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
My grandmother made the best beans, but then again, doesn't everyone's Colombian grandmother make the best beans? But really, Mamita's were the best! 🙂 This Colombian-Style Red Beans dish reminds me of my Grandmother. Her kitchen was magical and I miss cooking in it with her terribly.
Buen provecho!
More Beans Recipes to Try
Meatballs and White Beans Soup
Carol
Thanks for sharing!
J. R. Clark
I'm hungry looking at your food, its so yummy to look at..I'll try this at home, thanks for sharing your recipe.
christina
Gracias por este website y las excelentes recetas, soy colombiana y aprendo a cocinar con tus recetas, God bless you
Clarissa Delacruz
Can't wait to make these beans!!!! does anyone know how to print a printer friendly version
Michelle
Copy and paste to a word document
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz
These beans looks really great and hearty. May take a bit of time but not in prep, just simmering here and there I can do 🙂 I keep telling myself I have to incorporate more beans in my diet.
Michelle
Do these!!! They are yummy!
Ann
Hi! Could I use canned red beans instead of the soaked dried beans?
My BF bought several cans of red beans hoping I would make Colombian red beans & rice for him. lol
Jannese
OMG, these look so good, can't wait to make them for my Colombian husband! The beans always make the dish when it comes to Colombian food, they're my absolute favorite part. Que rico!
ela@GrayApron
I just used red beans yesterday...next time, I'll check with you! I bet this one tasted fantastic, thanks for sharing. 🙂 ela
grace
i couldn't live without beans, and this is a wonderful preparation! very tasty indeed. 🙂
Juliana
Nice recipe for red beans...somehow I do not use often red beans, thanks for the reminder.
Hope you are having a wonderful week Erica 😀
Jackie
Hi Erica,
Thank you for the recipe! I was just wondering what I could replace the achiote powder with as I live in Australia and I have no idea where I could get it.
Gracias de antemano!
Jackie ( una Colombiana que vive en Australia y que te admira mucha tu talento culinario!)
Erica Dinho
Hi Jackie,
Lo puedes omitir! Good luck!
Jackie
Hi Erica, Gracias!!! Can't wait to try it out!
Lydia
Hi Jackie, Im from Western Australia, and I’ve noticed Woolworths has started selling it in their supermarkets
Karen Badel
Achiote is not necesary. It only adds reddish color wich is not necesary. Has zero flavor.
Angie@Angie's Recipes
I love legumes. This looks very delicious!
Alan Bowman
My preference is for Frijoles Antioquenos, one of the first dishes I ever had in Colombia.
Corina
I love beans too and they are so good for taknig on the flavours around them.
Joanne
This is a great recipe to add to my legume loves! So much flavor and so good for you!
Belinda @zomppa
Beans is turning up once a week at least for meatless days - fantastic version!
Jeannie Tay
Hi Erica, I have not thought of cooking red beans in a savory style, this soup of yours looks delicious and the ingredients are easily available except for echiote powder which I suppose I can omit. Nice photos!
RichieJ82
Just use Sazon with Achiote. Goya makes it.
Anonymous
Hi,
You can remplace the achiote for turmeric or yellow food colouring
Monalisa
Erica Dinho
Food color.
Katie
When do I add the cilantro? Also, ballpark for salt?