Cuban Style Black Beans & Rice

Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan

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

For the Brown Rice

2 cups brown rice
4 cups spring water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Black Beans

1 tablespoon olive 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
ground pepper, to taste
chopped, fresh cilantro as a garnish, optional
1 lime, cut in 4–6 wedges for garnish, optional

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 occasitonally, 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.

Nutrition Information

for 6 servings

Per serving (About 15oz/441g-wt.): 360 calories (40 from fat), 4.5g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 11g protein, 70g total carbohydrate (9g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 0mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium

Recipes

Cuban Style Black Beans & Rice

Serves 4–6

Nutrition Information