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Easy Flavorful Cuban Black Beans and Rice Recipe Moros y Cristianos Made Perfect

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A quick and easy Cuban black beans and rice dish, Moros y Cristianos, made with pantry staples and a touch of smoky spices for comforting, authentic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) dried black beans, soaked overnight or quick-soaked
  • 1 cup (185 g) long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (2 g) smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste (start with about 1 tsp)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups (1 L) water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Soak the beans: Place 1 cup dried black beans in a large bowl and cover with 3 cups cold water. Soak overnight or quick soak by boiling for 2 minutes, then covering and letting sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Prepare the sofrito base: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add spices and bay leaf: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1 minute to toast the spices gently.
  4. Add beans and liquid: Add soaked beans and 4 cups water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes until beans are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
  5. Add rice: Once beans are nearly tender, add rinsed rice directly to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes on low heat without lifting the lid.
  6. Finish with vinegar and seasoning: Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, and stir in apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
  7. Fluff and serve: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and beans before serving.

Notes

Avoid stirring too much after adding rice to prevent breaking grains. Toast spices to release essential oils and enhance flavor. Use vegetable broth to keep recipe vegan. Soaking beans reduces cooking time and improves digestibility. Vinegar added at the end balances richness and brightens flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cuban black beans and rice, Moros y Cristianos, easy Cuban recipe, black beans recipe, rice and beans, comfort food, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-flavorful-cuban-black-beans-and-rice-recipe-moros-y-cristianos-made-perfect/