Bruine Bonen

This is one of our favorite Suriname dishes. "Bruine Bonen," or Brown Beans, is a hit whenever it's served.

6-8 pieces of chicken (one per person)

1/2 lb. salt pork, cubed, skin and extra fat removed

2 hot dogs, cut up

3 Tbs. chopped onion

2 chicken bouillon cubes

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. paprika

1 Tbs. ketchup or tomato paste

2 15-oz. cans pinto beans or other brown beans (can use more beans to stretch the recipe)

5 whole allspice seeds

1/4 cup sugar

5 Tbs. oil

Mix chopped onion, 1 chicken bouillon cube (crushed), black pepper and 1/2 tsp. paprika. Dredge the chicken in this mixture and set aside.

Boil the salt pork in 1 qt. water for 10-15 minutes. Throw away the water when done.

Fry the salt pork in oil until brown, remove from pan.

Wipe the chopped onion off the chicken. Fry the chicken in the same oil for about 10 minutes. Remove from pan.

Fry onions in remaining oil until tender.

Add ketchup, stir. Return salt pork to pan. Add cut-up hot dogs. Cook for a few more minutes.

Empty one can of beans into a two-quart pot. (Do not drain.) Mash the beans. Add the other can of beans.(Don't mash.) Add one bean can of water.

Add the allspice, the other chicken bullion block, 1/2 tsp. paprika, and sugar. Stir.

Add all the meat. Clean the frying pan with a little water and add to the pot.

Boil over medium heat until chicken is tender.

Serve over rice.