"Arroz congri" is a traditional Cuban dish consisting of rice cooked with black beans. It's a staple in Cuban cuisine and a symbolic dish celebrating Cuban identity. This flavorful dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, commonly served with roasted pork, tostones (fried plantains), and a side of fresh vegetables. The origins of arroz congri date back to the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors brought rice and black beans to Cuba. Over time, the dish evolved, incorporating elements of African and Caribbean cuisine.
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ARROZ CONGRI (CUBAN RICE AND BLACK BEANS)
Arroz Congri is a Cuban black beans and rice dish using canned black beans that can be served as a side dish or meatless main dish.
Provided by Gina
Categories Side Dish
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a heavy medium sized pot, heat oil on medium heat.
- Add onions, peppers and garlic and saute until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add rice, beans, water, cumin, bay leaf, oregano and salt and pepper. Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs most of the water and just barely skims the top of the rice.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minute (don't peek).
- Make sure you have a good seal on your cover, the steam cooks the rice. After 20 minutes, shut flame off and let it sit, covered another 5 minutes (don't open the lid).
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 143 kcal, Carbohydrate 27.5 g, Protein 6.5 g, Fat 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 322 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 2 g
CUBAN-STYLE ARROZ CONGRí
The combination of white rice and black beans is a Cuban staple. Black beans served on top of or next to white rice is most commonly called Moros y Cristianos, a reference to the medieval battle between Islamic Moors and Christian Spaniards on the Iberian Peninsula. When rice and beans are mixed with sautéed aromatic vegetables and sometimes bits of pork, the result is called congrí. (In some Cuban households, it is also called Moros y Cristianos.) As a rule, congrí is a fluffier and drier dish than Moros y Cristianos. Yolanda Horruitiner, who has lived in Cuba for all of her 70 years, makes this simple version of congrí without pork or cumin, which is a staple in some versions. Feel free to add either to the sofrito base. This recipe uses a stovetop to cook both the rice and beans, although the dish can be assembled more quickly using a pressure cooker and rice cooker and making the sofrito in a separate sauté pan, then mixing it into the rice before it's all cooked.
Provided by Kim Severson
Categories main course
Time 2h30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Rinse the beans and pick them over for any small stones. Put the beans and 8 cups water in a medium-size pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, partly cover and cook until tender, about 1 to 2 hours. (Time will vary depending on the bean.)
- Meanwhile, make the sofrito: Put the oil in a medium-size pot (large enough to hold the rice as well) over medium heat. When it's hot, add the onion, green pepper and garlic. Add a pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are limp. Stir in the oregano, dill and bay leaves and remove from heat.
- Drain the beans, reserving the broth and being careful to not break the beans. In a large measuring cup, add the vinegar and wine, 1 cup of the reserved bean broth and enough water for all the liquid to measure 2 1/4 cups.
- Put the sofrito back on medium heat, add the rice and stir to combine. Cook the rice for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the seasoned bean broth/water mixture and the salt. Bring to a boil, stir, then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 17 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork and return cover to pot for 10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and put rice mixture into a mixing bowl. Gently mix in the beans, being careful not to break them. Season well with salt and pepper and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 253, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 46 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 203 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram
ARROZ CONGRI (CUBAN RICE AND BLACK BEANS)
Steps:
- In a heavy medium sized pot, heat oil on medium heat. Add onions, peppers and garlic and saute until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add rice, beans, water, cumin, bay leaf, oregano and salt and pepper Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs most of the water and just barely skims the top of the rice Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minute (don't peek). Make sure you have a good seal on your cover, the steam cooks the rice. After 20 minutes, shut flame off and let it sit, covered another 5 minutes (don't open the lid).
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This means using fresh, flavorful rice and beans, as well as a good sofrito.
- Don't overcook the rice. Arroz congri is best when the rice is slightly al dente.
- Let the flavors meld. Allow the arroz congri to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
- Garnish with fresh herbs. Cilantro, parsley, or green onions add a pop of color and flavor to arroz congri.
- Serve with your favorite Cuban dishes. Arroz congri is a great side dish for ropa vieja, picadillo, or lechon asado.
Conclusion:
Arroz congri is a delicious and versatile Cuban dish that is easy to make at home. With its combination of rice, beans, and sofrito, it is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course. Whether you are a fan of Cuban cuisine or are simply looking for a new and exciting dish to try, arroz congri is sure to please.
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