Authentic Puerto Rican Beans
Authentic Puerto Rican Beans is a easy Puerto Rican recipe that serves 4. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Joyful Yessi on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 32 min | Total: 52 min
Cost: $5.16 total, $1.29 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin, for sautéing)
- 1 cup Ham (cooked, diced; can substitute with kielbasa, smoked sausage, or diced chicken)
- 1 cup Butternut Squash (diced; frozen or fresh; can substitute with diced potatoes)
- 1 can Goya Small Red Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can Water (approximately 13 oz; can replace with broth for richer flavor)
- 0.25 cup Tomato Sauce (plain tomato sauce)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 heaping tablespoons Sofrito (store‑bought; can use homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (optional, adds earthy flavor)
- 1 packet Sazón Packet (contains coriander, cumin, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons Black Olives (sliced; optional)
- to taste pinch Salt (optional, adjust after tasting)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the ham and butternut squash (or potatoes) into ½‑inch cubes, mince the garlic, and set all measured ingredients aside.
Time: PT10M
Heat Oil
Place the large pot over medium‑high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Ham
Add the diced ham to the pot and sauté for 4‑5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges turn lightly brown and release their juices.
Time: PT5M
Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the sofrito, tomato sauce, minced garlic, oregano, and the Sazón packet. Mix well to create a fragrant paste.
Time: PT2M
Add Beans and Vegetables
Add the drained red beans, water (or broth), diced butternut squash, and optional olives. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Bring to a Boil
Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce to a steady boil and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Time: PT10M
Simmer Covered
Turn the burner down to low, cover the pot, and let the beans simmer gently for another 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, let the pot sit for 2 minutes, then give a final stir. Serve hot over white rice or alongside fried pork chops.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 260
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Ham: kielbasa, smoked sausage, diced chicken
- Instead of Butternut Squash: potatoes
- Instead of Goya Small Red Beans: any canned red beans
- Instead of Water: chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Sofrito: homemade sofrito
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Sazón Packet: adobo seasoning
- Instead of Black Olives: green olives
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ziploc Bag (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté the ham until lightly browned to develop depth of flavor.
- Bring the bean mixture to a full boil and maintain for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Simmer covered on low heat for the final 10 minutes to finish cooking the squash and meld flavors.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky flavor, use a smoked ham or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- A splash of lime juice at the end brightens the dish.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin after simmering.
Continue to simmer uncovered on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired thickness.
Beans are too firm.
Add an extra ¼ cup of water or broth and simmer a few more minutes until the beans soften.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice ham and squash a day ahead and store in zip‑top bags in the freezer.
- Cooked beans reheat well; simply warm on the stove or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Puerto Rican style red beans (Aas Gasas) in Puerto Rican cuisine?
Red beans, known as "habichuelas," are a staple in Puerto Rican households, traditionally cooked with sofrito, pork, and sometimes squash. They are often served with rice as a hearty, everyday meal that reflects the island's Spanish, African, and Taíno culinary influences.
What are the traditional regional variations of Aas Gasas in Puerto Rico?
In coastal towns, cooks may add seafood like shrimp, while inland versions often use pork shoulder or ham. Some families incorporate sweet plantains or use coconut milk for a richer broth, showcasing regional ingredient availability.
How is Puerto Rican style red beans (Aas Gasas) traditionally served in Puerto Rican households?
They are typically ladled over a bed of white rice, accompanied by a side of fried plantains or a simple salad. The dish is also common alongside roasted pork, chicken, or as part of a larger festive spread.
On what occasions or celebrations is Aas Gasas traditionally associated in Puerto Rican culture?
Red beans are a comfort food for everyday meals but also appear at family gatherings, holidays like Christmas, and community festivals where large pots feed many guests.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Puerto Rican style red beans (Aas Gasas) versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Goya red beans, sofrito, Sazón seasoning, and cured pork such as ham or bacon. Substitutes can be any canned red beans, store‑bought sofrito, or other cured meats like kielbasa, though flavor will vary slightly.
What other Puerto Rican dishes pair well with Aas Gasas?
Pair the beans with arroz blanco (white rice), tostones (fried plantains), pernil (roasted pork), or a simple avocado salad for a balanced meal.
How has the preparation of Puerto Rican red beans (Aas Gasas) evolved over time in modern Puerto Rican kitchens?
While traditional recipes relied on homemade sofrito and long simmering, modern cooks often use store‑bought sofrito, Sazón packets, and frozen vegetables to save time, as demonstrated in Joyful Yessi's video.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Puerto Rican style red beans (Aas Gasas) at home?
Common errors include not browning the ham enough, which reduces depth of flavor, and boiling the beans for too short a time, resulting in a watery sauce. Also, adding too much salt before tasting can make the dish overly salty.
Why does this Puerto Rican style red beans recipe use a brief high‑heat boil followed by a low simmer instead of a continuous low simmer?
The initial high‑heat boil quickly reduces the liquid and helps the sofrito‑tomato paste meld with the beans, creating a thicker sauce. The subsequent low simmer gently finishes cooking the squash without breaking down the beans.
What does the YouTube channel Joyful Yessi specialize in?
Joyful Yessi focuses on approachable Latin American home cooking, sharing step‑by‑step videos of classic dishes, quick meal ideas, and cultural food stories aimed at home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Joyful Yessi's approach to Puerto Rican cooking differ from other Latin cooking channels?
Joyful Yessi emphasizes using readily available grocery‑store ingredients like pre‑made sofrito and Sazón, while still highlighting authentic flavors, making traditional Puerto Rican dishes accessible without extensive prep or specialty items.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
