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Caribbean Pink Beans and Squash

Although this dish has its origins in the Caribbean, it can be found in Florida and any other area in which there are Jamaican or Caribbean immigrants. It makes a hearty side and a good accompaniment to roasted pork loin.

Cooks' Note

Suggested Beverage: A good Jamaican beer such as Red Stripe.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups dried red or pink beans
4 cups chicken stock (page 91) or water
2 tablespoons barley
1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, undrained
1 bay leaf
6 cloves garlic
10 allspice berries, crushed
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 Scotch bonnet chile, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes
1/2 pound spicy sausage, cut into rounds
Salt
1 lean bacon slice
2 green onions, white and light green parts only, finely chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the beans, water, barley, tomatoes, bay leaf, garlic, allspice, ginger, brown sugar, and chile in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add the squash and sausage and continue to cook for 2 hours, until the flavors meld. (The squash and sausage can be added when you first put the dish on to cook, but I prefer the more distinctive shape and flavors that remain with the shorter cooking time.) Season to taste with salt.

    Step 2

    Place a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, turning, until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain, and then crumble.

    Step 3

    Spoon the beans into bowls and serve hot, garnished with the bacon and green onions.

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