Haitian Rice and Beans

Haitian Rice and Beans Recipe - A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Haitian Rice and Beans is a classic dish that is a staple in Haitian cuisine. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with red beans, rice, and a variety of seasonings that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Rice and beans have been a part of Haitian cuisine for centuries, with the dish being influenced by African, French, and Spanish culinary traditions. It is a popular dish in Haiti and is often served as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

2 qt (1.89 liters) water
2 cups dried red beans, rinsed
1 can (13.75 oz (390 g)) beef broth
water
1 tbsp salt
8 sprigs parsley
3 scallions or green onions, chopped
3 garlic cloves
0.25 tsp dried rosemary
3 tbsp peanut oil
2 cups rice

How to prepare

Bring water to a boil.
Add red beans and cook covered for 1.5 hours.
Drain beans, reserving the liquid, and set aside.
Add beef broth and enough water to the bean liquid to equal 4.75 cups of liquid.
Set aside.
In a mortar, pound together the salt, parsley, scallions, garlic, and rosemary to form a paste.
Heat oil and the seasoning paste in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
Put rice in the Dutch oven and stir until well coated with oil.
Add the reserved liquid and bring to a boil, stirring.
Add beans and bring to a boil again.
Reduce heat, cover, and cook undisturbed for 20 minutes.
Remove cover, stir, and cook for about 5 minutes longer, or until no liquid remains.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Use black beans or kidney beans instead of red beans.
Add coconut milk for a creamy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the red beans before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Pound the seasoning paste well to ensure that the flavors are well incorporated into the dish.

- Stir the rice occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Haitian Rice and Beans can be served as a main course with a side of fried plantains or avocado slices.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the red beans until tender.

- Making a seasoning paste to flavor the rice and beans.

- Cooking the rice and beans together until the liquid is absorbed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil can be used instead of peanut oil.

- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried herbs.

Make Ahead Tips

Haitian Rice and Beans can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Haitian Rice and Beans in a large bowl garnished with fresh parsley or scallions.

Pairing Recommendations

Haitian Rice and Beans pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Haitian Rice and Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Haitian Rice and Beans contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Haitian Rice and Beans contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Haitian Rice and Beans contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of Haitian Rice and Beans contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Haitian Rice and Beans is a good source of iron, potassium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts.

Summary

Haitian Rice and Beans is a nutritious and filling dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Haitian Rice and Beans is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This classic Haitian recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. I had always been fascinated by the flavors and spices of Haitian cuisine, and the thought of being able to recreate those delicious dishes in my own kitchen was truly thrilling to me.

I first learned how to make Haitian Rice and Beans from a dear friend of mine, who had spent some time living in Haiti and had fallen in love with the country's vibrant culture and cuisine. She had brought back with her a collection of traditional Haitian recipes, and she was kind enough to share them with me.

As I looked over the recipe for Haitian Rice and Beans, I was struck by how simple it seemed. The ingredients were ones that I already had in my pantry, and the method of preparation was straightforward and easy to follow. I knew that this was a recipe that I had to try.

I gathered together all of the ingredients that I would need – rice, black beans, coconut milk, garlic, onion, and spices – and set to work in the kitchen. As I sautéed the garlic and onion in a large pot, the fragrant aroma filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation of the delicious meal that was to come.

Next, I added the rice and beans to the pot, along with the coconut milk and a generous amount of spices. I stirred everything together, making sure that all of the ingredients were well combined, and then covered the pot and let the rice simmer gently on the stove.

As the rice cooked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I knew that this dish was going to be something truly special, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the rice was ready. I lifted the lid of the pot and was greeted by the sight of perfectly cooked grains, infused with the rich flavors of coconut milk and spices. I scooped out a generous portion onto a plate and took my first bite.

The flavors exploded in my mouth – the creamy coconut milk, the earthy beans, the aromatic spices – it was a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious with my own two hands.

From that moment on, Haitian Rice and Beans became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. It was a dish that brought people together, that warmed both bellies and hearts, and that reminded me of the power of good food to nourish both body and soul.

Over the years, I have continued to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it truly my own. But no matter how many times I make it, Haitian Rice and Beans will always hold a special place in my heart as the dish that sparked my love affair with Haitian cuisine.

So the next time you find yourself craving something delicious and comforting, why not give Haitian Rice and Beans a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows – maybe it will inspire you to embark on your own culinary adventures, just like it did for me. Bon appétit!