Rice with red beans and bacon: a typical cuban dish

Name: Rice with red beans and bacon: a typical cuban dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: En
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces; 1 onion, chopped; 1 clove garlic; 40 g tomato paste; Ground cumin; Oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil; 2 tablespoons vinegar; Brown sugar; 200 g cooked red beans (you can use canned beans); 120 g long-grain rice; 240 ml water; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt; Fresh cilantro, chopped

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Main Dish

Very Easy

55 min

640 Kcal

Today, we're going to show you how to prepare a typical Cuban dish: arroz con frijoles, or red beans and rice. This delicious, simple recipe combines red beans, crispy pieces of bacon and a selection of spices, served with white rice. The result is a dish full of flavor and aroma that you're sure to love. If you'd like to add something extra, serve it with patacones or tostones, plantain chips, or avocado salad.

Materials

Frying pan
Saucepan with lid
Wooden spoon

Preparation

Preparation10 min

Waiting time25 min

Cook time20 min

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, using the bacon fat, add the chopped garlic and onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is translucent.
Add the tomato paste to the onion and garlic mixture and stir well to combine. Then add the cumin, oregano, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add the cooked beans and bacon. Stir well so the beans absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the beans for another 15 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
While the beans are cooking, prepare the white rice. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir well until the grains become almost transparent.
Add 4 cups of water and salt to the rice. Stir 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 with the red beans and bacon, and sprinkle with a little chopped cilantro for the finishing touch. That's it!

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Observations

Vegetarian version:
If you'd like to prepare a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply omit the bacon. You'll be able to enjoy a dish that's just as aromatic and flavorful, without any animal-derived ingredients.

How should I store red beans and rice?
Store any leftover beans and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the beans in individual portions so they're ready when you need them.

What side dishes can I serve with this recipe?
You can serve this recipe with patacones (tostones), fried ripe plantains, avocado salad, fried cassava, or a few slices of Cuban bread for a complete and delicious meal.