The bustling sounds of a family gathering at the table, eagerly awaiting one of the most cherished dinnertime traditions. For many, this nostalgia is reminiscent of a staple dish – Arroz Con Habichuelas, otherwise known as Puerto Rican Rice and Beans. In this article, I will share the heart and soul of our family’s go-to recipe that has stood the test of time. The dish embodies delicious flavor and the love that goes into every steaming, savory spoonful.
How to make Arroz Con Habichuelas
Arroz Con Habichuelas is a Spanish dish of rice and beans. It is a popular dish in South America, where it is usually served as a side dish to other meals.
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 cups of water
For the Beans:
- 1 can of pink beans (15 oz)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of diced ham
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of sofrito (a blend of peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro)
- 1 packet of Sazón seasoning
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups of water
- 1 large Potato, diced (optional)
Instructions
- The Rice: To make perfect rice, rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear. This process removes the excess starch and helps the grains remain separate and not sticky. Once rinsed, put the rice, salt, oil, and water in a pot and boil over high heat. When the water starts boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes. Avoid stirring the rice during the cooking process.
- The Beans: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat while the rice is cooking. Render the diced ham first, then add your sofrito and sauté for a few minutes until the veggies are softened.
- Add the tomato sauce, Sazón, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for about 6 minutes.
- Rinse and drain the beans, add them to the pot along with the bay leaves, optional diced potato, and water. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the beans tender.
- Serve: Once both parts are ready, serve the beans over the rice while hot.
Tips for the Best Arroz Con Habichuelas
- Opt for Quality: Always use high-quality ingredients. Fresh sofrito and good-quality ham can enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Take Your Time: Rushing the process won’t do justice to this recipe. Allow the beans to cook slowly to absorb all the flavors.
- Rinsing the Rice: Rinsing the rice is vital. It removes the starch and prevents the rice from sticking together.
- Use Sazón: Sazón is a traditional seasoning that gives your beans a distinct flavor and glorious color.
- The Optional Potato: This is a personal preference. Some enjoy the texture and additional taste of potatoes in the dish. It can be left out if desired. But adding it also gives an additional heartiness to the meal.
What to serve with
Arroz con habichuelas is a classic and delicious dish, and pairing it with the right accompaniments can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some suggestions to serve with
Proteins:
- Pollo Guisado (Stewed Chicken):Â The savory and rich flavors of stewed chicken perfectly complement the rice and beans.
- Carne Guisada (Stewed Beef):Â Tender stewed beef adds a hearty element to the meal.
- Pernil (Roast Pork):Â A juicy and flavorful roast pork dish is a traditional choice that pairs well with rice and beans.
Tostones or Maduros:
- Tostones (Fried Green Plantains):Â These crispy delights are popular in many Latin American cuisines.
- Maduros (Fried Sweet Plantains):Â For a sweeter touch, opt for ripe plantains that are fried until caramelized.
Aguacate (Avocado) Salad:Â A simple salad featuring ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro with a drizzle of lime juice can provide a refreshing contrast.
Ensalada Verde (Green Salad):Â Create a light and fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, radishes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Queso Fresco:Â Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the rice and beans for a creamy and slightly spicy element.
Salsa or Pico de Gallo:Â A side of salsa or pico de gallo adds freshness and a hint of spice.
Yuca Fries:Â Crispy yuca fries can be served as an alternative to traditional potato fries, providing a unique texture.
Fried Eggs (Huevos Fritos):Â Top your arroz con habichuelas with a fried egg for a protein boost and a rich, runny yolk that can add extra flavor to the dish.
Tajadas:Â Thinly sliced and fried plantains, known as tajadas, can add a crunchy texture to the meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to make a delicious and simple dish, our Arroz Con Habichuelas recipe is just right for you. We promise you will not be disappointed.
More Delicious Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 cups of water
- 1 can of pink beans (15 oz)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of diced ham
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup of sofrito (a blend of peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro)
- 1 packet of Sazón seasoning
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups of water
- 1 large Potato, diced (optional)
Instructions
- The Rice: To make perfect rice, rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear. This process removes the excess starch and helps the grains remain separate and not sticky. Once rinsed, put the rice, salt, oil, and water in a pot and boil over high heat. When the water starts boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes. Avoid stirring the rice during the cooking process.
- The Beans: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat while the rice is cooking. Render the diced ham first, then add your sofrito and sauté for a few minutes until the veggies are softened.
- Add the tomato sauce, Sazón, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for about 6 minutes.
- Rinse and drain the beans, add them to the pot along with the bay leaves, optional diced potato, and water. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the beans tender.
- Serve: Once both parts are ready, serve the beans over the rice while hot.
