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Flavorful Cuban Style Rice and Beans Recipe

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An easy and authentic Cuban style rice and beans recipe that combines sautéed garlic, onions, and smoky cumin with tender black beans and fluffy white rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried black beans (soaked overnight) or 2 cups canned black beans, rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Cuban oregano or regular)
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. If using dried black beans, soak 1 cup overnight in cold water. Drain and rinse before cooking. Place soaked beans in a pot, cover with 4 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 1 hour or until tender but not mushy. If using canned beans, rinse and drain.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in your pot. Add finely chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden but not burnt.
  4. Add the cooked (or canned) black beans to the pot. Stir to combine and let it simmer briefly so the beans soak up all those flavors, about 5 minutes.
  5. Rinse 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  6. Stir the rice into the bean mixture. Pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, add 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  8. Once the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed, remove from heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Fluff gently with a fork to keep grains separate and light.
  10. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Soaking dried beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves texture. Use a tight-fitting lid to keep steam in for fluffy rice. Avoid burning garlic by adding it after onions soften. Fluff rice gently with a fork to keep grains separate. Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium. For a spicy version, add diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper to the sofrito.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cuban rice and beans, black beans recipe, authentic Cuban food, easy rice and beans, Cuban cuisine, vegetarian Cuban recipe, gluten-free Cuban dish

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/flavorful-cuban-style-rice-and-beans-recipe-easy-authentic-meal-for-beginners/