Sweet beans are a dessert that sweetens the Holy Week of the Dominican people
This delicious dessert has its origins in the late 18th century. Its origin could be related to the French presence on the island and their consumption of legumes or beans.
The consumption of traditional Habichuelas con Dulce (sweet beans) is closely linked to Holy Week, and the first dish is usually served on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. They have become a symbol of the country's cuisine during Holy Week, and their consumption is almost obligatory during this time.
This dish, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, is an expression of Dominican culture, which has elevated it to the culinary altars alongside other typical dishes such as Sancocho (a vegetable and meat stew) or asopao (rice soup). However, little is known about its origin.
Its preparation varies from region to region, but the ingredients are the same. Some prefer to substitute the cookies with casaba (a crispy bread made from cassava flour).
Sweet beans are a combination of red beans, milk, sugar, sweet potato, crackers, and various spices, and are a dish unique to the Dominican Republic.
The ingredients of this dish and its preparation are a blend of products and customs from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, according to the Institute of Anthropology of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD).
José Guerrero Sánchez, a researcher and professor at the UASD, asserts that it is an "exclusive dish" of the Dominican Republic. Although it has undergone some modifications over the centuries, it remains a staple of the national cuisine and a must-eat during Holy Week.
"This dish is unique to the country. It is not prepared or consumed in neighboring countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, unless there is a Dominican there," he emphasized.
But although it is not prepared in other countries, "it contains ingredients from all over the world," he argued.
Given the uniqueness of this dish, sweet beans should be included in the Guinness Book of Records, Guerrero stated, emphasizing that its consumption boosts the economy, as it drives various sectors such as agriculture and livestock, due to the high demand for beans, sugar, sweet potatoes, and milk during this time of year.
