When the island breeze turns into a cool evening wind, there’s nothing better than a big pot of Spanish-style beans simmering on the stove—rich, fragrant, and full of spice. This one-pot wonder brings together pantry staples and Hola Island’s signature Jamaican spice blend to create a soulful side dish (or main event) that tastes like home.
Whether you're serving it with rice, fried plantains, or enjoying it straight from the bowl, this is comfort food at its finest—with an island twist.
Ingredients
-
1 can pinto beans (drained)
-
1 can kidney beans (drained)
-
½ cup tomato sauce
-
2 tsp Hola Island Jamaican Spices
-
2 tbsp achiote oil
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
¼ cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
-
1 tsp ground cumin
-
½ tsp spicy chili powder (adjust to taste)
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
½ small onion, finely chopped
-
½ cup chicken stock
-
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
-
½ cup water
Directions
Step 1: Build the flavor base
In a medium-sized pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, chopped onion, and sofrito. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and golden.
Step 2: Deglaze and season
Pour in the chicken stock and stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Add cumin, spicy chili powder, and a generous scoop of Hola Island Jamaican Spices. Let those spices bloom.
Step 3: Add the goods
Stir in the tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, achiote oil, water, and chopped cilantro. Give it a good mix and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Let it do its thing
Cover and cook on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the flavors develop and the sauce thicken to your desired consistency.
Tips from the Island Kitchen
-
Want it saucier? Add more water or chicken stock.
-
For a vegetarian version, skip the stock and go all-in with water or veggie broth.
-
Serve over warm rice or with a hunk of crusty bread to soak up the juices.
This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with love—and your belly with joy. Spiced, saucy, and soulful, our Spanish Bean Stew brings bold Caribbean flavor to a timeless classic.
Tag us at @HolaIslandProvisions and show us your bowls! 🌶️🌿