Arroz con Habichuelas (Puerto Rican Rice with Beans)
Recipe Author : Mike Gonzalez
"Arroz con Habichuelas" is a cherished Puerto Rican dish, harmoniously melding the subtle flavors of tenderly cooked rice with the rich, seasoned essence of beans. This staple food tells the story of the island's rich culinary tapestry, often seasoned with sofrito – a flavorful mix of bell peppers, onion, garlic, and cilantro – and simmered to perfection. This comforting dish, with its delightful texture contrast between fluffy rice and creamy beans, is often enjoyed with various accompaniments like roasted pork, fried plantains, or avocado slices, making it versatile for both everyday meals and festive occasions.
wooden spoon For stirring both the beans and the rice.
Colander or Fine Mesh Strainer For rinsing the rice and draining the beans.
Knife For chopping the sofrito components, ham/bacon, potato, etc.
Cutting Board For prepping ingredients.
Measuring Cups For accurate measurements of rice, broth, and water.
Measuring Spoons: For measuring out smaller amounts like olive oil, Sazón, and salt.
Serving Spoon For serving the beans and rice.
Ingredients
For the Beans:
2tbspolive oil
½cupsofritoa blend of peppers, cilantro, garlic, and onions
½cupdiced ham or baconoptional
Olives and capersto taste (optional)
¼cuptomato sauce
1packetSazón seasoningor homemade Sazón
2bay leaves
30ozpink or red beansrinsed and drained
2cupschicken or vegetable broth
1smallpotatodiced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
2cupslong grain white rice
4cupswater
2tbspolive oil or annatto oil for color
Salt to taste
Instructions
Beans:
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sofrito and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2 tbsp olive oil, ½ cup sofrito
Add the diced ham or bacon (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes.
½ cup diced ham or bacon
Stir in tomato sauce, Sazón, and bay leaves.
¼ cup tomato sauce, 1 packet Sazón seasoning, 2 bay leaves
Add the beans, broth, potatoes (if using), olives, and capers. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Olives and capers, 30 oz pink or red beans, 1 small potato, 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Salt and pepper
Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents stickiness.
In a pot, heat the olive or annatto oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir to coat the grains with the oil.
2 tbsp olive oil or annatto oil, 2 cups long grain white rice
Pour in the water and add salt. Bring to a boil.
4 cups water, Salt to taste
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
Serve the beans over the rice.
This dish pairs beautifully with fried plantains, avocado slices, and a protein of choice.
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