Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice
Try this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy one of Cuba’s most famous plates. Full of protein and flavor, Cuban-style black beans serve as a meal in themselves, or as a delicious side dish. By dry roasting the brown rice, you will enhance its flavor and increase its natural sweetness. Serve as a main course or side dish. Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups brown rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Coconut oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with their liquid
- 3 cups (cooked) black beans, drained
- Sea salt, to taste and ground pepper, to taste
- Chopped, fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) and/or 1 lime, cut in 4-6 wedges for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Place rice in a strainer and rinse under cool running water. Heat a stainless steel or cast iron skillet over low heat and add rice. Dry roast the rice for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is dry and aromatic.
Place the roasted rice in a pot. Add the water and salt and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat. For fluffier rice, after the rice comes to a boil, place it in a covered casserole dish and place in a preheated 225°F oven for one hour.
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. When pan is hot, add olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the bell pepper, garlic and chili powder. Continue to sauté for 2 more minutes. Reduce heat to low, add diced tomatoes and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes. Add beans and simmer 5 minutes longer to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve beans over brown rice with cilantro and lime wedges.
Per serving (About 19oz/529g-wt.): 430 calories (50 from fat) | 6g total fat | 1g saturated fat | 14g protein | 84g total carbohydrate (11g dietary fiber, 6g sugar) | 0mg cholesterol
Recipe compliments of www.wholefoods.com.