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Nicaraguan Caballo Bayo Recipe

Nicaraguan Caballo Bayo Recipe

The dish primarily consists of red beans, which are cooked until tender and infused with aromatic spices such as garlic, onions, and cumin. The flavors are further enhanced with the addition of bay leaves and a touch of acidity from lime juice.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Nicaraguan
Keyword: Nicaraguan Caballo Bayo Recipe
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 195 kcal
Nicaraguan Caballo Bayo Recipe

Equipment

  • Large pot: Used to cook the beans and other ingredients.
  • Skillet: Used to sauté onions, garlic, and other vegetables.
  • Cutting board: Used for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Knife: Used for slicing and dicing ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the beans and other ingredients.
  • Colander: Used for draining the cooked beans.
  • Serving bowls: Used for serving the Nicaraguan Caballo Bayo.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried red beans
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

Rinse and soak the dried red beans overnight in a large bowl of water.

  • Drain the beans before using.
  • Place the dried red beans in a colander and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Fill a large bowl with water and add the dried red beans. Stir them gently to remove any dirt or debris, then discard the water.
  • Submerge the dried red beans in water and let them sit for at least 8 hours or overnight to soften.
  • After rinsing the dried red beans, transfer them to a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let them soak for 1 hour before draining.
  • Use a colander to drain the soaking water from the dried red beans, ensuring they are ready for cooking.

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden and fragrant.
  • Place the large pot on the stove and set the heat to medium.
  • Add the vegetable oil to the large pot and swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
  • Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion to the pot and stir it occasionally with a wooden spoon.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue stirring until the onion and garlic become golden in color.
  • The sautéed onion and garlic will provide a flavorful base for the Nicaraguan Caballo Bayo Recipe.

Add the soaked and drained red beans to the pot, along with the ground cumin and bay leaves.

  • Stir well to combine.
  • Gently transfer the soaked and drained red beans into the pot, being careful not to splash.
  • Sprinkle the ground cumin evenly over the red beans, ensuring all the beans are seasoned.
  • Place the bay leaves on top of the red beans, distributing them evenly.
  • Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients in the pot thoroughly, ensuring the beans are coated in the seasonings.
  • The ground cumin and bay leaves will infuse the red beans with aromatic flavors.

Pour enough water into the pot to cover the beans completely.

  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours or until the beans are tender.
  • Fill the pot with enough water to submerge the red beans entirely, ensuring they cook evenly.
  • Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a rolling boil.
  • Once the water reaches a boil, lower the heat to the lowest setting to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Let the red beans simmer for approximately 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure they don't stick to the bottom of the pot.
  • Test the tenderness of the beans by pressing a few between your fingers. They should be soft and easily mashed.

Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves.

  • Stir in the lime juice and season with salt to taste.
  • Take the pot off the heat source and set it on a heat-resistant surface.
  • Carefully remove the bay leaves from the pot, using a spoon or tongs.
  • Pour the lime juice into the pot and stir it well, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  • Taste the Nicaraguan Caballo Bayo Recipe and add salt gradually, stirring and tasting until it reaches your desired flavor.
  • The lime juice adds a tangy freshness to the dish while salt enhances the overall taste.

Notes

Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time.
Use a pressure cooker to cook the beans faster.
Pre-chop and prepare the ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Save time by using canned beans instead of dried beans.
Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 3mg
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