Caraotas Negras Venezolanas con Tajadas y Queso Blanco – Authentic Venezuela Recipe

Ingredients for Caraotas Negras Venezolanas con Tajadas y Queso Blanco (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) velvety black beans, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups sweet caramelized ripe plantain tajadas, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup grated salty white cheese
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with sweet peppers
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Venezuela seasoning (white onion, cumin, garlic, touch of papelón/brown sugar)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown velvety black beans for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, sweet peppers, and white onion, cumin, garlic, touch of papelón/brown sugar, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add sweet caramelized ripe plantain tajadas and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in grated salty white cheese right before serving warm.