Habichuelas con Dulce is a treasured Dominican dessert traditionally enjoyed during Lent and Holy Week. Despite its unusual main ingredient, red kidney beans, this creamy and fragrant sweet treat has delighted generations of Dominican families for centuries. Made with coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweet potatoes, raisins, sugar, and aromatic spices such as cinnamon and cloves, Habichuelas con Dulce is rich, comforting, and uniquely Caribbean.

Preparing this dish is often a family event, with large batches shared among neighbors, friends, and relatives. Served warm or chilled and accompanied by small milk cookies known as galletas de leche or sweet cassava bread (casabe), Habichuelas con Dulce is more than just a dessert; it is a cherished Dominican tradition that brings people together.

Ingredients

For the Habichuelas

• 2 cups dried red kidney beans
• 8 cups water
• 2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1½ cups sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

• Additional raisins
• Cinnamon powder
• Milk cookies (galletas de leche)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beans

1. Rinse the beans thoroughly and soak overnight.
2. Drain and place them in a large pot with 8 cups of fresh water.
3. Cook until very tender, about 1½ to 2 hours.

2. Blend the Beans

1. Allow the cooked beans to cool slightly.
2. Blend the beans with some of their cooking liquid until smooth.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any skins.

3. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. In a separate pot, boil the diced sweet potatoes until tender.
2. Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Habichuelas con Dulce

1. Return the strained bean mixture to a large pot over medium heat.
2. Stir in the evaporated milk, coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
4. Add the cooked sweet potatoes and raisins.
5. Simmer for 25 to 35 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract during the last few minutes of cooking.

5. Serve

1. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves.
2. Let cool slightly before serving.
3. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
4. Garnish with raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Use freshly extracted coconut milk for the richest taste.
• If the mixture becomes too thick after cooling, stir in a little milk before serving.
• Many Dominican families prepare a large pot and refrigerate leftovers for several days, as the flavor deepens over time.
• Serve with traditional milk cookies for the classic Dominican experience.

Yield: 10 to 12 servings

Enjoy this authentic taste of Dominican culture, where every spoonful carries the warmth of family gatherings and Easter traditions. 🇩🇴

Visit Los Hermanos Restaurant to try our delicious Habichuelas Con Dulce or call to place a special order of this and any of our traditional dishes (served during lent season or upon special requests).
Ask About our Catering Service or Place an order at https://hermanosrestaurant.com

You can also Call Us at: 202-483-8235

Also check out our sister restaurant Mecho’s Dominican Kitchen at https://mechoskitchen.com   for more about our delicious food and recipes.