congri (cuban black beans and rice)

evanston, IL
Updated on Jan 6, 2011

This is my bother-in-law's mother's stand-by recipe for traditional Cuban fare. Healthy and good too!

prep time 12 Hr
cook time 1 Hr
method ---
yield 10 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dry black beans
  • 3 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 - bay leaf
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano, dried
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 pound long grain rice, uncooked
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

How To Make congri (cuban black beans and rice)

  • Step 1
    Soak beans overnight before cooking. Cook beans in six cups of water by bringing to a boil. Remove and let stand for about 60 minutes. DO NOT discard the liquid.
  • Step 2
    In cast iron skillet place the vegetable oil and rice and stir until the grains get oily. This prevents the rice grains from sticking to each other.
  • Step 3
    Add garlic, onion, bell pepper, cumin, bay leaf, oregano, black pepper and salt.
  • Step 4
    Add 2 cups liquid from the beans, bring to boil and cook on slow heat for about 25 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed by the rice. Lower the flame, cover the pot with foil or a lid to seal in the steam.
  • Step 5
    If the rice is still hard, add more bean liquid, a little at a time. Cook until rice is well done.
  • Step 6
    Once the rice is ready, add the beans that have drained and stir. Saute one chopped garlic clove with the olive oil in a small pan and pour over the rice to add addiitional flavor and shine.

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