1 Cup Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas (Habichuelas Del Pais) is a nutrient-rich dish popular in Puerto Rico. With a calorie count of 387, it is both filling and healthy. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of this delicious dish and provide a simple recipe to try at home.

Green peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. When stewed in a flavorful Puerto Rican style preparation, the dish becomes even more nutritious.

Whether you are a fan of Puerto Rican cuisine or just looking for a flavorful and nutritious vegetarian option, Puerto Rican style stewed green peas are definitely worth trying.

What are Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas?

Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas are a simple but flavorful dish made with green peas, sofrito (a mixture of onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs), tomato sauce, and a variety of spices. The ingredients are cooked together in a pot on the stove until the green peas are tender and the flavors have melded together. The dish is often served as a side dish to complement a main course or as a light and healthy meal on its own.

The Nutritional Value of Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas

One cup of Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas contains approximately 387 calories, 16 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Green peas are also an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Why You Should Try Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas

Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas are a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you should give this dish a try:

• It's packed with nutrients like protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
• It's a great vegetarian option that still provides plenty of satiating protein.
• It's a filling and comforting dish that is perfect for cool or rainy days.
• It's easy to customize by adding different spices or ingredients to make it your own.

Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas: A Flavorful Option for Vegetarians

Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas are a great vegetarian option that is both flavorful and filling. With plenty of plant-based protein and fiber, this dish is the perfect way to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal preferences by adding more or less spice, adjusting the seasoning, or incorporating other ingredients like potatoes or carrots.

Simple Recipe for Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas

Here is a simple recipe for Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas that you can try at home:

• 1 pound dry green peas, soaked overnight
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Drain the soaked peas and rinse well.
2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and green pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the peas, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and enough water to cover the peas by 1 inch. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Health Benefits of Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas

Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas are an excellent source of several essential nutrients including protein, fiber, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Green peas are also packed with antioxidants that help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Where to Find or Buy Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas

Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas are a popular dish in Puerto Rico and can be found at many restaurants and street vendors throughout the country. If you're looking to make the dish at home, you can typically find dry green peas at most grocery stores. Look for brands that are certified organic or non-GMO for the best quality.

Popular Variations of Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas

Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas is a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few popular variations to try:

• Add cooked potatoes or carrots for a heartier dish.
• Use different spices like smoked paprika or chipotle for a smoky, spicy flavor.
• Add cooked ham or bacon for a meatier version of the dish.

Interesting Facts about Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas

• Green peas were originally cultivated in the Middle East and have been used in cooking for thousands of years.
• In many cultures, eating peas on New Year's Day is a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
• Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas are often served with white rice and sweet plantains, a popular dish known as a 'trifongo'.

Tips to Serving Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Puerto Rican Style Stewed Green Peas:

• Serve the dish hot with white rice and sweet plantains for a traditional Puerto Rican-style meal.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove with a little bit of water to prevent the dish from drying out.