Frijoles colorados (autêntico feijão vermelho cubano)

Ingredientes

• 1 lb dried red kidney beans
• 1 large smoked ham hock (approx 1-2 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 4 slices bacon (diced)
• 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 ounces dry cooking wine (vino seco)
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 bay leaves
• 2-3 large Spanish chorizo links (sliced)
• 1 lb butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed (or cooking Cuban calabaza))
• 2 medium Russet potatoes (peeled and cubed (or malanga))
• Salt to taste

Modo de preparo

1. 1

   Soak the beans. Lay the beans on a clean work surface and remove any stones, etc. Rinse the beans under cold water. In a large saucepan, place the beans with enough water to cover the beans. Soak in the water for 6 hours or up to overnight. Do not drain.

2. 2

   Start the cooking process. After 6 hours or the following day, place the ham hock in the saucepan with 3 additional cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce to low heat. Simmer for 1 hour. Remove the ham hock and cut the meat off the bone. Set aside.

3. 3

   Make the sofrito. While the beans are simmering, heat the olive oil at medium-high heat in a Dutch oven. Add the bacon and pan fry for 5 minutes. Add onions and green bell peppers. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato sauce, cooking wine, vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, bay leaves, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

4. 4

   Continue cooking the beans. Transfer the beans with the water and the ham pieces into the Dutch oven. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beans have softened.

5. 5

   Finish cooking with the chorizo and veggies. Once the beans have softened, add in the chorizo, squash, and potatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes at medium-low, uncovered, stirring occasionally, or until the veggies have softened. If needed, add more water. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Remove bay leaves. Serve by itself or over white rice. Enjoy!