Garbanzos Guisadas (Puerto Rican Stewed Beans)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup diced country ham or bacon (omit if vegetarian)
• 1/4 cup sofrito
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Sazon seasoning (with annatto and culantro)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), undrained (15 oz. cans)
• 8 pimento stuffed olives
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro. chopped
• Adobo seasoning or salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium sized sauce pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped ham and saute for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to caramelize (omit if vegetarian)

2. 2

   Add the sofrito and Sazon seasoning. Saute for 2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the tomato sauce, oregano, & bay leaves. Saute for 1 minute.

4. 4

   Add the chicken stock (use vegetable stock if vegetarian), beans (with their liquid), olives, and chopped cilantro. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil.

5. 5

   Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should be very creamy and not soupy.

6. 6

   Check for seasoning, and add Adobo or salt if needed.

7. 7

   Serve over white or yellow rice, with an extra sprinkle of cilantro, if desired.