Dinner in Tel Aviv on the Shores of the Mediterranean

Our first night in Tel Aviv my friend Valerie and I treated ourselves to a fantastic dinner, at a restaurant right on the sands of the Mediterranean. Grilled fish with grilled green beans, tomatoes and sweet potatoes, served with Humus and Pita. There is nothing like eating next to the ocean, enjoying a great meal and listening to the waves crashing. Truly a fantastic experience in a fantastic city by the sea.

Red Beans Cuban Style (Frijoles Colorados)

Beans are considered a staple of Cuban cuisine; however, black beans are considered the most commonly consumed beans by Cubans. The truth is that Cuban cuisine is very varied, with influences from many countries and regions of the world. Even within the island; cuisine is very regional, for example: in the eastern part of Cuba (Oriente), where I am from, red beans (frijoles colorados) are more popularly consumed than black beans. It is very difficult for me to say which of the two is my favorite, I think my preference is split right down the middle.

 Many other types of beans are consumed throughout the island, for example, Fabada Asturiana" or Asturian Bean and Sausage Casserole is a typical and very traditional dish from Asturias, made with white beans, sausage, ham, meat and tomatoes. Split peas (Chicharos), lentils (lentejas) and chick peas (Garbanzos) are some other popular beans widely consumed by Cubans. Here in the states we have been spoiled by canned beans ready to eat, but there is nothing like home made beans, so a few friends that have succumbed to the cans have asked me to post my recipe for making my red beans. There are many ingredients that can be used and substituted so I will give you all the options.

Ingredients

1 lb of dry red beans (there are many brands to chose from)
1/2 of a medium size green bell pepper
2 culantro leaves
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro ( not typically used but I really like cilantro)
1/4 cup chopped onions (any type you like, I use red or yellow)
2 cloves of garlic
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp of Sazon Completa (mixture of spices, if not available in your area, substitute with black pepper, oregano, rosemary and thyme)
1/4 cup of Mojo criollo (spanish marinade)
1, 7oz small can of tomato sauce or paste
1tsp of sugar
1 medium size green plantain (pealed and sliced in 1/2 inch slices)
1 cup of cubed potatoes (any type you prefer)
Salt to your taste

One important ingredient in beans, specially red, is pork. You can use any of the following or a combination, but one ingredient that MUST always be added is Chorizo (Spanish sausage)

Ham Hock

1 smoked ham hock
1/2 cup of salt port (tocino de cocinar)
1 small chorizo, sliced
Directions

Place the dry beans in a pressure cooker with about 4 cups of water(or enough water to cover the ham hock), and the ham hock (if you chose to use that). Seal the pot and cook on high for 20 to    25 minutes. Open and check to make sure the beans are tender but not overcooked or they will disintegrate.

Salt Pork

In a separate pot of pan, I use cast aluminum pots (caldero), you are going to make the sofrito or base seasoning.

Chorizo Español

Add two table spoons of cooking oil ( i use canola oil, but any oil will do). Once the oil is hot add the sliced salt pork and chorizo and saute on high for about 5 minutes, to allow some of the fat to be released (don't throw the fat  out).  After the pork is cooked add the onions, green pepper, chopped cilantro garlic, sazon completa, mojo criollo and tomato sauce or paste ( if you use paste, dilute with a bit of water).
Cook for 5 to 8 minutes and then set aside. When the beans and the ham hock are cooked, lower the heat to medium. Immediately add the teaspoon of sugar. Beans tend to have a bitter after taste so the sugar quickly remedies that. Add the sofrito (base seasoning, cubbed potatoes and sliced green plantains to the beans. Add water if necessary, and salt to your taste. Cook on medium for about 20 t0 25 minutes or until the plantains and potatoes are tender. Check for water evaporation. Serve with rice and other sides or eat a hearty bowl of these delicious beans alone, either way I am sure you will enjoy them.