Rice with red beans and smoked bacon: a typical cuban dish

Ingredients

For the beans :

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 slices smoked bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Cumin powder
• Oregano
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Brown sugar
• salt and pepper
• 7 oz cooked kidney beans (you can use canned beans)

For the white rice :

• 2/3 cup rice
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt

To decorate the dish :

• Fresh coriander, chopped

Materials

• Frying pan
• Saucepan with lid
• Wooden spoon

Preparation

• Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped smoked bacon and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pan, add chopped garlic and onion. Sauté over medium heat until onion is translucent.
  
• Add the tomato paste to the onion and garlic mixture and mix well. Then add the cumin, oregano, brown sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper.
• Pour in the cooked beans and smoked bacon. Stir well to allow the beans to absorb the flavors. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the beans for a further 15 minutes.
  
• For the white rice:
  Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir until the grains become almost transparent.
• Add water and salt to the rice. Mix well and cook over medium-high heat, uncovered.
  
• When the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan and cook the rice for 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
• Serve the rice and red beans on a plate, and sprinkle with a little chopped coriander for the finishing touch. And there you have it!
  

Observations

Vegetarian version:
If you'd like to prepare a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply omit the smoked bacon. You'll be able to enjoy a dish that's just as aromatic and tasty, with no animal ingredients.

How to store the Red Bean Rice recipe?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the beans in individual portions to have them ready when you need them.

What garnishes can I serve with this recipe?
You can accompany this recipe with fried plantain patacones, avocado salad, fried cassava or a few slices of Cuban bread for a complete and delicious meal!

Attributes

Questions

Photos of members who cooked this recipe