this is easy peruvian beans recipe Perfect for a budget-friendly weeknight dinner.
Tender, buttery mayocoba beans are seasoned with bacon, garlic, tomatoes, spices, and aji amarillo paste for a flavorful and satisfying meal you’ll want to come back to.
I’ve been hooked on Peruvian food lately. Of course, there’s also the famous Peruvian roast chicken with aji verde sauce. and Peruvian-Chinese fusion dishes like lomo saltado and arroz chaufa.
This canary bean recipe may not be as famous around the world, but it’s a simple home-cooked dish that Andean villagers have likely been eating for centuries.
- rich and complex taste: Bacon, Asian marillo paste, and spices like cumin and oregano are combined to create a deep, complex flavor.
- volume and nutrition: Not only are Peruvian beans hearty and filling, they are also highly nutritious, being a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. When combined with other ingredients, this dish becomes a balanced meal that can be eaten alone or combined with sides.
- cooking adventure: A staple of Peruvian cuisine, aji amarillo paste gives you the opportunity to explore and introduce new flavors to your everyday dishes. Add a unique twist to your dish and differentiate it from your typical bean recipes.
- budget friendly: It’s hard to find a cheaper ingredient than beans.
- versatility: This recipe is versatile and can be served in many ways: as a main dish, as a side dish, or even as a filling for burritos or tacos. It goes well with rice and can be eaten as a complete meal, or you can enjoy it on its own with beans and bacon as the main ingredients.
- comfort food quality: Rich in flavor and hearty, this dish has a comforting quality. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
![A bowl of mayocoba beans, rice and sliced avocado.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_07-600x900.jpg)
![A bowl of mayocoba beans, rice and sliced avocado.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_07-600x900.jpg)
![A bowl of mayocoba beans, rice and sliced avocado.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_07-600x900.jpg)
![A bowl of mayocoba beans, rice and sliced avocado.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_07-600x900.jpg)
Peruvian beans, also known as canary beans or mayocoba beans, are a type of legume that is especially popular in Peruvian and Mexican cuisine.
One of the main characteristics of Peruvian beans is that they have a creamy texture when cooked, making them a preferred ingredient in dishes that require a smooth, buttery consistency.
It is very versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes. It is often used in soups, stews, and side dishes. In Peruvian cuisine, it is sometimes used in traditional dishes such as taktak, a type of bean and rice cake.
Its mild flavor and creamy texture make it the perfect canvas for a variety of seasonings and cooking styles.
![A bag of mayocoba beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_01-600x482.jpg)
![A bag of mayocoba beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_01-600x482.jpg)
![A bag of mayocoba beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_01-600x482.jpg)
![A bag of mayocoba beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_01-600x482.jpg)
- Peruvian beans (canary beans or mayocoba beans) – The main character of the dish. Today I’m using dried beans, but you can also use canned beans for a quick meal.
- bacon – Bacon adds a smoky, flavorful depth to dishes. You could also use salt pork or pancetta. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onions.
- aromatic – Onions and garlic.
- tomato – Both fresh paste and tomato paste combine sweetness and depth.
- Aji amarillo paste – An important ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. If you can’t find this paste locally (we found some at specialty stores), it’s easily available online.
- seasoning – Oregano, cumin, bay leaf.
- chicken soup – This adds depth and richness to the dish. For vegetarian beans, use vegetable broth.
- red wine vinegar – A splash of vinegar brightens up the dish, cutting through the richness with acidity and adding a slight tanginess. You can also substitute other types of vinegar or lemon or lime juice.
1. Prepare the beans: If you use dried beans (which we do), you need to soak and cook the beans first. Soaking and cooking instructions are covered in the next section. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
![Soaked beans in Dutch oven.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_02-600x816.jpg)
![Soaked beans in Dutch oven.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_02-600x816.jpg)
![Soaked beans in Dutch oven.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_02-600x816.jpg)
![Soaked beans in Dutch oven.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_02-600x816.jpg)
2. Fry the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, fry diced bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate and remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan.
![Fried bacon on a plate.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_03-600x663.jpg)
![Fried bacon on a plate.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_03-600x663.jpg)
![Fried bacon on a plate.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_03-600x663.jpg)
![Fried bacon on a plate.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_03-600x663.jpg)
3. Make the sauce: Add chopped onions and fry until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, aji amarillo paste, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and vinegar. Cook for 5 minutes.
![Make the sauce in the Dutch oven before adding the beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_04-600x721.jpg)
![Make the sauce in the Dutch oven before adding the beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_04-600x721.jpg)
![Make the sauce in the Dutch oven before adding the beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_04-600x721.jpg)
![Make the sauce in the Dutch oven before adding the beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_04-600x721.jpg)
4. Finish the dish: Return the beans and bacon to the pot with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until beans are to desired tenderness, about 15 minutes.
![Completed in a Dutch oven.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_05-600x815.jpg)
![Completed in a Dutch oven.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_05-600x815.jpg)
![Completed in a Dutch oven.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_05-600x815.jpg)
![Completed in a Dutch oven.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_05-600x815.jpg)
If soaking overnight, place beans in a large soup pot or Dutch oven and cover with at least 2 inches of cold water. Soak for at least 8 hours.
Alternatively, you can use the quick soak method. Place the beans in a large pot and cover with about 2 to 3 inches of water. Bring the water to a rapid boil and boil the beans for about 2-3 minutes. Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat, cover and let the beans soak for about an hour.
After soaking, the beans must be cooked. Drain the soaking water and fill the pot with water so there is at least 1 inch of water above the beans. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and mix well. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 40 minutes.
![Close-up of a bowl of canary beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_09-600x900.jpg)
![Close-up of a bowl of canary beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_09-600x900.jpg)
![Close-up of a bowl of canary beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_09-600x900.jpg)
![Close-up of a bowl of canary beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_09-600x900.jpg)
It’s a hearty meal on its own, but I also love having it with rice. Or, stick to the indigenous Peruvian food theme and replace the rice with quinoa.
For garnishes, I like cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
It is also common to eat salsa criolla, a Peruvian marinated red onion salad, with beans. Personally, I would skip that recipe and leave it to Alpana.
If you’re looking for a more elaborate spread, canary beans serve as a delicious garnish to Latin main dishes such as pollo a la plancha, mojo pork, pernil, and vaca frita.
These mayocoba beans are great as leftovers and great for meal prep. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Heat on the stove over medium heat or add water and reheat in the microwave.
You can also store it in an airtight container and freeze it for 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight the day before you want to eat it.
- cook beans: Boil the beans until soft, then add to the rest of the ingredients. Overcooking will make it soft, undercooking will make it too tough.
- bacon fat: Do not throw away the removed bacon fat. It is liquid gold and can be used as a fatty ingredient in other dishes to add flavor.
- balance the flavors: Adjust seasoning while cooking. Aji amarillo paste can vary in spiciness, so taste and add accordingly. Also, if desired, add a little vinegar or sugar to balance the taste.
- herbs and spices: You can also use fresh oregano instead of dried oregano if you have it on hand. Fresh is not as concentrated as dried, so use three times the amount.
- customization: Feel free to add vegetables like peppers and carrots for added nutrition and flavor. For a vegetarian version, you can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
![An angled shot of a bowl of Peruvian beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_08-600x900.jpg)
![An angled shot of a bowl of Peruvian beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_08-600x900.jpg)
![An angled shot of a bowl of Peruvian beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_08-600x900.jpg)
![An angled shot of a bowl of Peruvian beans.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_08-600x900.jpg)
Give the basic bean a south-of-the-equatorial makeover with this easy recipe and see how simple ingredients can come together to create something amazing.
For more easy weeknight dinners, check out our curated collection of dinner tonight ideas. Until next time…
![A bowl of Peruvian beans on a gypsy plate.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_10-600x680.jpg)
![A bowl of Peruvian beans on a gypsy plate.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_10-600x680.jpg)
![A bowl of Peruvian beans on a gypsy plate.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_10-600x680.jpg)
![A bowl of Peruvian beans on a gypsy plate.](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/peruvian-beans_10-600x680.jpg)
Check out our other great bean recipes.
cannellini beans
Cuban black beans
Abithuelas Guisadas
navy beans
black bean chili
red beans and rice
tuscan bean soup
Furmedames
material
1/2 pound (or 2 15-ounce cans) dried Peruvian beans
3 pieces bacon (diced)
1/4 medium white onion (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
1 large tomato (diced)
2 tablespoons Asian marillo paste (see note 1)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1 bay leaf
2 cups chicken soup
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
- If using canned beans, drain and wash them, then proceed to step 3. Soak dried beans using your preferred method (see Note 1).
- Drain the soaking water and fill the pot with water so there is at least 1 inch of water above the beans. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender, about 40 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, fry diced bacon until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate and remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the pan.
- Add the chopped onions and fry until they start to soften. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, aji amarillo paste, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and vinegar. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Return beans and bacon to pot with chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until beans are to desired tenderness, about 15 minutes.
- Enjoy the beans on their own or with rice or garnishes.
Note
- Aji amarillo paste is an important ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. If you can’t find this paste locally (we found some at specialty stores), it’s easily available online.
- If soaking overnight, place beans in a large soup pot or Dutch oven and cover with at least 2 inches of cold water. Soak for at least 8 hours. alternately, you can use the quick soak method. Place the beans in a large pot and cover with about 2 to 3 inches of water. Bring the water to a rapid boil and boil the beans for about 2-3 minutes. Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat, cover and let the beans soak for about an hour.
Nutritional information table
yield Four
serving size 1
Amount per serving
calorie 188total fat 4gsaturated fat 1gtrans fat 0gunsaturated fat 3gcholesterol 11mgsodium 614mgcarbohydrates 27gfiber 10gsugar 3gprotein 12g
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should only be used as a rough guide.
![Photo by Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/gypsy-plate_1.jpg)
![Photo by Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/gypsy-plate_1.jpg)
![Photo by Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/gypsy-plate_1.jpg)
![Photo by Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate](https://gypsyplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/gypsy-plate_1.jpg)
Welcome to Gypsy Plate! I’m Alpana. A former Word Wide Tour Manager and professional caterer, he is now a full-time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as his MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET, and AOL. Explore the entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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