Rice and beans

Talking about rice and beans in Puerto Rico is like saying a phrase like "the daily bread". Actually, when people talk about "their beans", they are pretty much saying something very similar to "bring home the bacon". It's sort of our livelihood.

In any case, you don't have to be Puerto Rican to like rice and beans. In fact, last week I had a party at my apartment, where about 30 people showed up. Apart from the pork tenderloin, which was the main course for the non-vegetarians (basically everyone but me), there was rice and beans. The one at the party was made by my good friend J.M. in a slightly different way, following a recipe similar, although not the same, as the rice and pigeon peas. Everyone loved it... I saw a few non-Puerto Ricans scraping the bowl trying to get some more, but the bowl was already empty.

To start, you need the following:

• 1 can of red, pink, kidney or pinto beans, undrained (I used Goya small red beans for this one)
• 2 small tomatoes (or 1 medium tomato)
• 1/2 onion
• 1/2 green bell pepper
• 1 clove garlic
• dried oregano
• salt & pepper to taste
• potatoes (optional)

Mince the garlic, chop the onion, chop the pepper, and throw it all in medium-high olive oil. Cook for a few minutes until it's softened. Then add the remaining ingredients and a little bit of water if necessary. Simmer for about 20 mintes (or until the potatoes are soft, if you used them) and serve over white rice.

What? You don't know how to make white rice? Shame on you!

You should have done this part first, but if you didn't know it, I will forgive you. Anyway, you'll need medium or short-grained rice, water, salt, and oil. A good rule of thumb is to use one more cup of water than rice, so if you use two cups of rice, use three cups of water. But that doesn't always work, so use judgment to decide when there is enough water.

Bring that water to a boil with the salt and oil and add the rice to it. Stir well and when it comes to a boil again, lower the heat and cover it for 20 minutes. After that, turn it off and let it stand until the beans are done.

Now you can enjoy it.

Victor recommends: 

Goya, Bean Kidney Red Smll, 15.5-Ounce (24 Pack)

Manufacturer: Goya

Part Number:

Price: $28.56