Habichuelas Estilo Puertoriqueno (Beans Puertorican Style)

This recipe came from Zaida Rosa-Gonzales

Ingredients

• 1 Can of beans (pinto beans or pinquitos are my favorites)
• 2 or 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce
•  1 medium size potato cut in cubes
•   packet of sazon and packet of sazon with achiote
• 2 tablespoons of especias (homemade spice mix)
• 1/2 cube of ham or chicken buillon (We prefer ham) Knorr brand
• cup of ham cubes
• 5 pieces of green bell peppers
• 1/8 parsley
• 1/8 oregano
• Salt and Pepper
• Especias* (Mix using food processor):
• 3 cloves  Garlic
• 3  med size green bell peppers.
• 1 Can red peppers.
• 1 portion cilantro
• 3 medium sized onions

* Change quantities depending how much especias you are going to make.

Preparation

You can  prepare the especias days before and keep some amount in the fridge or some in the freezer (if you made a lot of especias)

For habichuelas:

1. In a sauce pan mix the especias, tomato sauce and ham squares medium high heat for a few minutes. Stir.
2. Add beans and mix using the same can as a unit of measurement add 1 can of water.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients except the salt and pepper. Stir occasionally.
4. Heat medium high until sauce thickens a little and the potato squares are tender.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestion: As a side order with white rice and fried chicken!!!