Riz et Pois

Riz et Pois Recipe - Vegetarian Haitian Dish with Red Kidney Beans and Rice

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Riz et Pois is a traditional Haitian dish that combines rice and red kidney beans with a flavorful mix of spices and vegetables. This hearty and satisfying dish is a staple in Haitian cuisine and is often served as a main course.

History

Riz et Pois has its roots in Haitian culture, where rice and beans are a common dietary staple. The dish is often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Haitian dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup dried red kidney beans
1.5 tsp salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper to taste
6 to 8 cups water
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 to 3 cloves garlic, peeled, minced
1 green pepper, cored, chopped
2 green onions, chopped
1 to 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
0.5 tsp black pepper
salt to taste
0.5 tsp ground cloves
1 tbsp butter
2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

How to prepare

In a large sieve or colander, wash the beans under running water until the draining water runs clear.
Transfer them to a heavy 3- or 4 qt (3.78 liter) saucepan.
Add 0.5 tsp of salt and ground black pepper.
Pour in 6 cups of water.
Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender but intact.
Drain the beans and reserve the cooking liquid.
In a large, heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil.
Add the garlic, green pepper, green onion, parsley, pepper, salt, and cloves.
Sauté for about 5 minutes.
Add the beans and stir until heated through.
Watch carefully for any sign of burning.
Set aside.
Measure out the bean cooking liquid and add enough water to make 4 cups.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
When it is very hot, but not smoking, add the rice and stir for 1–2 minutes, or until the grains turn somewhat milky and opaque.
Stir in the 4 cups of reserved liquid and water, the remaining 1 tsp of salt, and more ground black pepper to taste.
Bring to a hard boil.
Reduce the heat, add the cooked bean mixture, cover tightly, and reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting.
Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary with salt and pepper.
Fluff the rice and beans with a fork and serve hot.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer flavor.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.
Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Sautéing the garlic, green pepper, green onion, and spices before adding the beans adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Riz et Pois can be served on its own as a main course, or paired with a side salad or fried plantains for a complete meal. It is often enjoyed with a side of pikliz, a spicy Haitian condiment made with pickled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the beans until tender but intact to ensure a creamy texture.

- Sauté the vegetables and spices before adding the beans for maximum flavor.

- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to prevent clumping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use black beans or pinto beans instead of red kidney beans.

- Substitute olive oil for vegetable oil for a healthier option.

- Use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley if fresh is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Riz et Pois can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Riz et Pois in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a colorful presentation. Pair with a side of fried plantains or avocado slices for added texture and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Riz et Pois pairs well with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef. It also complements seafood dishes, such as grilled fish or shrimp. Serve with a side of pikliz for a spicy kick.

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

Each serving of Riz et Pois contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Riz et Pois is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice and beans providing a good source of energy. Carbohydrates are essential for fueling the body and providing energy for daily activities.

Fats

The vegetable oil and butter used in this recipe provide healthy fats that are essential for overall health. Fats help the body absorb vitamins and minerals, and provide a source of long-lasting energy.

Proteins

Red kidney beans are a good source of plant-based protein, making Riz et Pois a nutritious and filling dish. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the green pepper and green onions, as well as iron and potassium from the beans. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains garlic and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Riz et Pois is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Riz et Pois is a delicious and nutritious Haitian dish that combines rice and red kidney beans with a flavorful mix of spices and vegetables. This hearty and satisfying meal is a staple in Haitian cuisine and is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. Enjoy this flavorful dish on its own or paired with other Haitian favorites for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Riz et Pois. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had invited me to help her in the kitchen one day. As we worked together, she told me stories of how she had learned to cook from her own mother and grandmother, passing down recipes from generation to generation.

One day, as we were flipping through an old cookbook that had been in our family for years, we came across a recipe for Riz et Pois. The ingredients were simple – rice, peas, onions, and a few spices – but the combination sounded intriguing. My grandmother explained that this dish was a traditional recipe from our homeland, passed down through the years.

She told me that she had first learned to make Riz et Pois when she was a young bride, just starting out in her own home. Her mother-in-law had taught her the recipe, showing her how to cook the rice and peas together until they were perfectly blended and fragrant. My grandmother had practiced the recipe over and over, tweaking it here and there until she had perfected it to her own taste.

As we gathered the ingredients and began to cook, my grandmother shared with me the memories she had of learning to make Riz et Pois. She told me how her mother-in-law had been a strict teacher, insisting on precise measurements and techniques. But my grandmother had persevered, determined to master the recipe so that she could pass it down to her own children and grandchildren.

As the rice and peas simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, my grandmother and I worked together to prepare the rest of the meal. She showed me how to chop the onions finely, how to sauté them until they were golden and fragrant. She taught me how to season the dish with just the right amount of salt and pepper, to bring out the flavors of the rice and peas.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. My grandmother spooned the Riz et Pois onto a plate, the steam rising in delicate wisps. She handed me a fork and urged me to take a bite. As I tasted the dish for the first time, I was struck by the simplicity and elegance of the flavors. The rice was fluffy and perfectly cooked, the peas tender and sweet. The onions added a subtle depth of flavor, while the spices brought a gentle warmth to the dish.

I looked up at my grandmother, my eyes filled with wonder and gratitude. In that moment, I realized the power of tradition and the importance of passing down recipes from one generation to the next. My grandmother smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride.

And so, that day, I learned to make Riz et Pois from my grandmother, just as she had learned from her own mother-in-law. As I continue to cook this dish for my own family, I am reminded of the love and history that are woven into every bite. The recipe for Riz et Pois is more than just a list of ingredients – it is a connection to my past, a link to the generations that came before me. And for that, I am forever grateful.