WHAT ARE FRIJOLES NEGROS?
In English they’re also known as Cuban black beans. To be fair, this dish is made all over Latin American. This is a great recipe to throw in leftovers pieces of meat like ham or bacon. While most black beans are fine to use since they’re all in the kidney family, turtle beans (also known as caviar criollo) are the most popular. Furthermore beans have numerous health benefits. And if you’re worried about gas, just eat them on a regular basis. Your body will get used to your new diet and become more efficient at processing Phaseolus vulgaris (aka less gas). In general though make this dish the day before to let the flavors blend together for a more delicious meal. But if you do that, don’t sprinkle freshly chopped, raw herbs over it until just before serving.
SUGGESTIONS WHEN MAKING FRIJOLES NEGROS?
- Delicious salad solution
“Several years ago we were having a cookout and I made too much pico de gallo. Not knowing what to do with it I decided to add some black beans and canned corn to the leftover salsa. After tasting it and tweaking it some more, such as adding diced avocados and red onions, I finally got the taste I was looking for.” from the book Muy Bueno.
- Quick and easy party favorite
“So here you have it, one of my favorite light, quick, and easy cold salads. Just be sure to double the batch for parties—it goes quickly!” from the book Muy Bueno.
WHAT PAIRS WELL WITH FRIJOLES NEGROS?
Besides the obvious choices of white rice, plantains, tortilla chips or even a nice slice of avocado, choose a good beer like a La Lupulosa (impossible to find), Bohemia or a Negro Modelo. Or for a good glass of wine try a Tempranillo or a Chilean Sauvignon from the Casablanca mountains. (written by Chef Stef)