Moros y Cristianos Recipe

Delicious pork free Cuban black beans and rice makes the perfect side dish

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Cuban

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings servings

Calories 332kcal

Author Charla

½ cup of dried beans soaked overnight in 4 cups of water or use 1 can of black beans with additional 1 ½ cup of water),
1 cup of organic brown rice soaked in 1 teaspoon of lime overnight
1 cup of water
1 yellow pepper finely sliced
4 large garlic cloves minced
½ white onion sliced
¼ teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of oregano
2 tablespoon of olive oil
1 ½ teaspoon of Himalayan pink salt
1 large bay leaf
¼ teaspoon of black pepper
½ cup water if required

Soak both the rice and beans separately overnight.
Discard the water from the rice and set aside.
If using dried beans, put the water with the beans to boil and reduce to medium heat until tender. This should take 50 minutes and beans should be soft to the touch. The water from simmering will reduce to 2 cups.
If using canned beans add them to an additional 1 ½ cups of water (use the water that comes with the beans)
Sautee the onions, garlic and the remaining ingredients on medium heat in the olive oil for 3-5 minute until slightly brown.
Add the readily available beans in water, and rice to the frying pan with the sautéed vegetables. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. If using dried beans use the extra cup of water instead.
Allow the rice and beans to slow cook for 1 hour, check the level of moisture throughout and shake the frying pan periodically.
Halfway through cooking the water should have absorbed almost completely. There should be enough moisture present to cook the rice. If the rice seems too dry, add ¼ cup more of water, to replenish.
About 45 minutes into cooking, cover the rice with the foil and allow the rice to continue to stem whilst retaining moisture for another 15 minutes. Don't forget to add the lid to the pan to act as a double barrier.
Once the rice is finally cooked it should be soft (not sticky) and fluffy.
Serve accordingly.

Use 2 ½ cups of liquid (no more, unless required) for 1 cup of rice.

Careful not to oversaturate the rice, if adding more water as rice will be sticky and weaken the flavour.

Ensure to rinse and soak the rice overnight to soften and help aid digestion.

Cooking guideline will vary depending on the type of beans used.