Stew Beans and Food That Feels Like Home

two recipes + some gentle thoughts on missing home.

belizean stew chicken + stew beans over white rice + fried plantain, a traditional belizean meal

It’s been a long time coming to share this story and recipe—much like the time it takes to bring a pot of stewed beans to life from scratch.

I was born and raised in Southern California, specifically Los Angeles. As a first-generation American growing up in the concrete jungle of South Central, the only culture I truly know is Belizean. The food, values, and aromas that filled my lungs were all deeply rooted in my mother’s homeland, the jewel of Central America: Belize. The cuisine I grew up with has profoundly influenced how I choose to nourish my family today.

Belizean recipes often begin with humble ingredients, but with time, effort, intention, and a whole lot of love, these raw elements are transformed into dishes brimming with life and flavor. The steam rising from a pot that’s been stewing for hours seems almost magical, as if it carries the essence of generations past.

This transformation is not just about food; it mirrors the immigrant experience—stories like those of my mother and grandmother. Their journeys were acts of bravery, consuming vast amounts of time and effort as they carried the dreams and flavors of home across oceans and skies. Even in new lands, the taste of home remained woven into every meal they made…that I now make.