Cuban Congri

Cuban Congri Recipe - A Delicious and Nutritious Stew

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cuban Congri is a traditional dish that combines rice and beans in a flavorful and satisfying way. This dish is a staple in Cuban cuisine and is loved for its rich and hearty flavors.

History

Congri has its roots in Cuban cuisine and is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a dish that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions, as well as being a comforting meal enjoyed on a regular basis.

Ingredients

3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
2 inches cube of salt pork
3 cloves of garlic
1 medium onion
0.25 green pepper
4 oz (113 g) of tomato sauce
1 cup of long grain white rice
1 can of dark red kidney beans
1 and a half cups of water
1 tbsp of salt

How to prepare

In a blender or food processor, purée the onion and green pepper together (add a little water if needed).
Set aside. In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Add the salt pork and garlic cloves.
Sauté until browned. Discard the garlic.
Add the onion and pepper mixture to the oil, stir, and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the tomato sauce and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 5 minutes until the sauce is a deep, rich red.
Stir in the rice and mix well.
Add beans, water, and salt, and stir.
Cook on high heat, uncovered, until the water begins to boil.
Adjust the heat to low.
Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas. You can also add different spices or herbs to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the dish, you can add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice at the end of cooking. This will add a bright and tangy flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Cuban Congri can be served as a main dish on its own, or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood. It pairs well with a side of fried plantains or a simple salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Cuban Congri is to cook the rice and beans together to allow the flavors to meld. This dish is best cooked slowly over low heat to ensure that the rice is tender and the flavors are well-developed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have salt pork, you can use bacon or ham as a substitute. You can also use different types of beans such as black beans or pinto beans in place of kidney beans.

Make Ahead Tips

Cuban Congri can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish look more visually appealing, you can garnish it with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. You can also serve it in a decorative serving dish for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cuban Congri pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, roasted pork, or seafood. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cuban Congri can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Cuban Congri contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that provides a good balance of nutrients.

Carbohydrates

Cuban Congri is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main sources of carbs coming from the rice and beans. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The main source of fat in Cuban Congri comes from the olive oil used for cooking. Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Beans are a great source of plant-based protein in this dish. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies. It is important to check for any allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Cuban Congri is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

Cuban Congri is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in Cuba. As I walked into her kitchen, I was immediately hit with the delicious smell of spices and beans cooking together. Maria was standing over the stove, stirring a pot of what she called "Congri".

I had never heard of Congri before, but as Maria explained to me, it was a traditional Cuban dish made with black beans and rice cooked together with a variety of spices. The combination of flavors and textures sounded absolutely heavenly to me, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Maria graciously agreed to teach me her family recipe for Congri, and we spent the entire afternoon cooking together. She showed me how to properly cook the black beans, how to season the rice just right, and how to combine the two together to create a dish that was not only delicious, but also full of history and tradition.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria told me stories of her grandmother who had taught her how to make Congri when she was just a little girl. She spoke of the love and care that went into every step of the process, and how important it was to her to pass on this recipe to the next generation.

I was so touched by Maria's words and the flavors of the dish that I knew I had to bring this recipe back home with me. I asked Maria if she would write down the recipe for me so that I could make it for my own family, and she happily obliged.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and getting to work in my own kitchen. As I cooked, I thought back to my time with Maria and the stories she had shared with me. I could feel the love and tradition that had been passed down through the generations as I stirred the pot of black beans and rice.

When the Congri was finally ready, I scooped out a generous portion onto my plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, bringing me back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen. I could taste the history and tradition in every bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own family for years to come.

I shared the recipe with my children and grandchildren, passing on not only the ingredients and instructions, but also the stories and memories that came along with it. As we sat around the table enjoying our meal, I could see the joy and appreciation in their eyes as they savored each bite of the Congri.

And so, the recipe for Cuban Congri became a beloved tradition in our family, passed down from generation to generation. It is a reminder of the love and care that goes into creating a meal, and the importance of sharing that love with those we hold dear.

As I look back on that day in Maria's kitchen, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn such a special recipe and to carry on the tradition of making Congri with my own family. It is a dish that not only fills our bellies, but also our hearts, and for that, I am forever thankful.