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Weeknight Meals: Cuban-Styled Beans & Rice

by on Feb 28, 2014

Matt Allison

Traditionally a Cuban staple made with black beans and rice. I chose to mix it up a bit by substituting red kidney beans, leaving out the traditional oregano, giving it a Moroccan twist with ground cumin and a bite with the Spanish smoked paprika.

Ingredients
Serves 4

  • 6 rashers of bacon (chopped)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 4 garlic cloves (chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper (deseeded and chopped)
  • 2 cups of long-grain rice
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tbsp of ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp of smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp of tomato paste
  • 1 15oz can of kidney beans (drained)
  • 3 cups of water
  • salt
  • pepper
  • handful of fresh cilantro

Step 1: Place a large saucepan over a medium-high heat, add the bacon, cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Add the onion, garlic and bell pepper, cook for a further 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the rice to the saucepan, mix until the rice is well coated. Add the bay leaves, cumin, paprika, tomato paste and beans. Add the 3 cups of water, bring to boil, then reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Once the water has been absorbed, remove from the heat, fluff up the rice with a fork and serve topped with the fresh cilantro.

Enjoy!