Rice and Beans Recipe - Vegetarian Haitian Cuisine

Rice and Beans

Rice and Beans Recipe - Vegetarian Haitian Cuisine
Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Rice and Beans
Rice and Beans

Rice and beans is a classic dish that is enjoyed in many cultures around the world. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a staple in many households due to its affordability and versatility.

History

Rice and beans have been a dietary staple for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This dish was popularized as a nutritious and filling meal that could be easily prepared with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Using a mortar and pestle, mash the parsley, onions, garlic, thyme, and salt into a thick paste.
  2. Heat the paste and the oil in a large pot, then add the rice.
  3. Stir to coat the rice with the oil, then add the broth, water, and beans.
  4. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, and cover, cooking until the water has been absorbed.
  5. Stir and serve it hot.

Variations

  • Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn for a colorful and flavorful twist.
  • Use different types of beans such as black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for variety.
  • Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or hot sauce for added richness and heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.

- For added flavor, you can sauté the rice in oil before adding the broth and beans.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve rice and beans with a side of fresh avocado slices, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses the traditional stovetop method of cooking rice and beans in a pot. However, you can also prepare this dish in a rice cooker or pressure cooker for added convenience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley or cilantro as a substitute. You can also use canned beans instead of cooked beans for a quicker cooking time.

Make Ahead Tips

Rice and beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. Serve in individual bowls or on a platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice and beans pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for added protein. You can also serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of rice and beans contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Rice and beans are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. One serving of this dish contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe is low in fat, with only 5 grams of fat per serving. The oil used in cooking adds a touch of richness to the dish without being overly greasy.

Proteins

Rice and beans are a complete protein source when combined, making this dish a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Each serving contains around 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. The parsley and green onions add a pop of color and flavor while providing additional nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as dairy, nuts, and gluten. However, if you have specific allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to check the ingredients for potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, rice and beans are a nutritious and balanced meal option that is easy to prepare and budget-friendly. This dish provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice and beans is a classic and comforting dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe is a great option for a quick and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

How did I get this recipe?

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The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a simple recipe for rice and beans, but the flavors and aromas that wafted from the page seemed so enticing that I couldn't resist. I had always loved cooking, and trying new recipes was one of my favorite pastimes. This recipe, with its promise of hearty and comforting flavors, called out to me like a siren's song.

I first came across the recipe for rice and beans in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my mother. The book was filled with handwritten notes and annotations, a testament to the countless hours my mother had spent in the kitchen perfecting her craft. As I flipped through the pages, I came across the recipe for rice and beans, a simple and humble dish that spoke to me on a deep level.

The recipe called for basic ingredients that I already had in my pantry - rice, beans, onions, garlic, and a few spices. The method was straightforward and uncomplicated, but the end result promised to be a delicious and satisfying meal. I decided then and there that I had to give it a try.

I set to work in the kitchen, chopping onions and garlic, rinsing and draining the beans, and measuring out the rice. As I cooked, the kitchen filled with the warm and comforting scents of spices and herbs, and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Cooking had always been a form of therapy for me, a way to relax and unwind after a long day. And as I stirred the pot of simmering rice and beans, I felt a deep sense of peace and satisfaction.

When the dish was finally ready, I scooped a generous portion onto a plate and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the creamy beans, the fluffy rice, the rich and aromatic sauce that bound it all together. It was a revelation, a dish that spoke to my soul and comforted me in a way that only food can.

I served the rice and beans to my family that night, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bite. They couldn't believe that such a simple and humble dish could taste so good. My husband, who was usually a picky eater, went back for seconds and even asked for the recipe.

From that day on, rice and beans became a staple in our household. I made it at least once a week, sometimes more, and each time I cooked it, I found new ways to tweak and improve the recipe. I added different spices and herbs, experimented with different types of beans, and even tried making it in the slow cooker. Each version was delicious in its own way, but the original recipe remained my favorite.

Over the years, I shared the recipe for rice and beans with friends and family, who all raved about its simple yet comforting flavors. Some even asked me to teach them how to make it, and I happily obliged. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with others, to show them love and care through the food that I made. And sharing this recipe was my way of spreading that love and warmth to those around me.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened. I continued to try new recipes and learn new techniques, but rice and beans remained a constant in my repertoire. It was a dish that never failed to bring me joy and comfort, no matter how many times I made it.

And now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will find the same joy and comfort in cooking that I have. I hope that you will make this dish for your own family, and that it will become a beloved staple in your household as it has in mine. Remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe - it's about infusing love and care into every dish you make, and sharing that love with those around you.

So go ahead, give this recipe for rice and beans a try. Let the warm and comforting flavors transport you to a place of joy and contentment, just as it has always done for me. And remember, the secret ingredient in any dish is love. Cook with your heart, and the rest will follow.

Categories

| Haitian Recipes | Haitian Vegetarian | Rice Recipes | Thyme Recipes | Vegetable Stock And Broth Recipes |

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