Sos Pwa, also known as
haitian lambi bean sauce, is a staple dish in Haitian cuisine that is not only delicious but also nutritious. Made from red kidney beans, onions, peppers, and a blend of spices, Sos Pwa is a versatile sauce that can be enjoyed with rice, meat, or even as a dip. If you're new to Haitian cuisine and want to learn how to make this authentic dish at home, read on for a beginner-friendly recipe and tips.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried red kidney beans
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Water
- Olive oil
Instructions:
1. Rinse the dried red kidney beans thoroughly under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl of water. This will help soften the beans and reduce cooking time.
2. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before transferring them to a large pot. Cover the beans with fresh water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are soft and tender.
3. In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
4. Add the tomato paste, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and salt to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Once the beans are cooked, drain them and reserve some of the cooking liquid. Transfer the cooked beans to a blender or food processor, along with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Blend until smooth, adding some of the reserved cooking liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
6. Taste the bean sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or spices.
7. Transfer the Sos Pwa to a serving bowl and drizzle with a bit of olive oil before serving.
Tips:
- Sos Pwa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat before serving.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients such as coconut milk, hot peppers, or different herbs and spices.
- Serve Sos Pwa as a side dish with rice and meat, or as a dipping sauce for fried plaintains or bread.
Enjoy making this authentic Haitian bean sauce and impress your friends and family with a taste of the vibrant Caribbean cuisine!