Sancocho de Habichuelas Recipe (Sweet and Spicy Bean Stew)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound smoked pork chops with bones (, cut into small pieces)
• 1 pound longaniza ((spicy pork sausage), cut into slices)
• 1/2 teaspoon mashed garlic
• 1 bell pepper (, chopped)
• 4 cups boiled red kidney beans
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 quart water
• 1 oregano ((dry, ground))
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1/2 pound sweet potatoes (, peeled and chopped)
• 1 tablespoon sugar ((white, granulated))
• 2 plantain ((ripe, yellow), peeled and sliced)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt ((or more, to taste))
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper ((or more, to taste) (freshly-cracked, or ground))

Instructions

1. 1

   --- 1. Brown meat ---

2. 2

   Brown meat: In a soup pot heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pork chops and sausage and cook stirring til they brown (5 to 7 minutes).

3. 3

   --- 2. Add vegetables ---

4. 4

   Add vegetables: Add garlic and bell pepper. Cook and stir for half a minute.Pour in the beans, tomato sauce, and water. Simmer covered for five minutes Add oregano, cilantro, sweet potatoes, sugar, and plantains.

5. 5

   --- 3. Boil ---

6. 6

   Boil: Simmer over medium heat until all the ingredients are cooked throughout and the stew reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust water if it becomes necessary.Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. 7

   --- 4. Serve ---

8. 8

   Serve: Remove from the heat and serve alongside white rice and avocado slices