Authentic cuban rice and beans

Easy Cuban Red Beans or Frijoles Colorados are so hearty and meaty. They can be served with rice as a side dish or even as a hearty bean soup!

Cuban Red Beans and Rice, known as "Frijoles Colorados" is a beloved staple in traditional Cuban cuisine. This hearty dish features kidney beans simmered with a medley of flavorful ingredients, including onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomato paste, all beautifully combined with perfectly cooked rice.

It is not only filling but also showcases the robust flavors of the Caribbean. Many home cooks have their own variations, often handed down through generations, sometimes using dried beans instead of canned for a more authentic taste.

Beyond being a delicious meal, Cuban Red Beans and Rice recipe holds cultural significance. It serves as a symbol of family gatherings and celebrations where friends and loved ones come together.

The dish is often accompanied by traditional music and laughter, making it more than just food it's an experience. In Cuban households, beans and rice recipe are often comfort food. So , do you Love beans? Try this Beans and rice recipe healthy or Red beans and rice new orleans style recipe.

Red beans and rice ingredients

Traditionally, these Cuban red beans start with dried beans but using beans from a can makes this recipe so much faster! You can still use dried if you prefer (just soak in water overnight) but I prefer to just buy low sodium canned beans and drain and rinse them well.

2 tablespoons olive oil and salt
1 small onion diced (about ¾ cup)
1 small green bell pepper diced (about ¾ cup)
3 large cloves of garlic (minced)
2 links of dried Spanish chorizo (usually comes in a 3.5 ounce pack)

8 ounces cubed ham (be sure not to buy a sweet ham)
1/4 cup dry white cooking
8 ounce can of tomato sauce
8 cups water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

3 (15.5 ounce) cans of small red beans not drained
1 cooked ham hock or ham bone
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

2 bay leaves
2 packets of sazon goya con azafran
2 russet potatoes
Optional white rice for serving

With these ingredients, anyone can create a warm, flavorful recipe deeply rooted in Cuban tradition, perfect for any family gathering or simply to enjoy at home.

What kind of rice is used in Cuban cooking?

In Cuban cooking, white rice is the most commonly used variety, particularly long-grain white rice. It's often served as a side dish or incorporated into main dishes like Arroz con Pollo (chicken with rice) or Moros y Cristianos (black beans and rice).

The rice is typically cooked with some aromatics, like onions and garlic, and sometimes with a bit of oil or butter to give it flavor.

Additionally, short-grain rice can be used in certain dishes, but it's less common compared to long-grain. If you're making Cuban rice, a good rule of thumb is to use long-grain, white rice for most traditional recipes.

What kind of chorizo is best for Cuban red beans and rice?

You want to make sure that you are buying dried chorizo. You can find it in the latin section of the grocery store. Before slicing it, just make sure to peel the casing off. I also like to run them under water to remove some of the oil they’re packaged in. This helps keep the cutting board from staining.

What is the most popular type of beans in Cuban cuisine?

In Cuban cuisine, black beans are by far the most popular type. They’re used in a variety of traditional dishes, most notably moros y cristianos—a dish made with black beans and rice. The beans are often simmered with ingredients like garlic, onions, bell peppers, and spices, creating a rich, flavorful base.

Black beans are also served on the side or in soups, and they play a key role in many everyday meals. But , in my recipe , i will use red beans. If you're exploring Cuban food, this is definitely a staple to try!

How to make cuban red beans?

Right from the very first step, you can see these beans will have a ton of flavor! They start by sautéing onions, peppers, garlic, ham, and chorizo sausage.

When you’re done with the first step. The vegetables will be soft and you’ll be able to smell the fragrant garlic a mile away! Believe it or not, we’re going to add even more flavor to this recipe.

Next comes the tomato sauce, wine, water, a ham bone, the red beans and seasonings! By the way, if you are wondering what “sazon goya” is in the recipe.

It’s adds a touch of flavor and a big boost of that beautiful red color that these beans traditionally have. Do not drain your beans. The starchy liquid in the can is what will help thicken your beans. After simmering this for about 30 minutes, you can add in the potatoes and a little more salt.

Potatoes absorb salt so you want to make sure everything is well seasoned. This keeps then from completely falling apart. You want to make sure you simmer everything uncovered so it can reduce slightly, giving you a heartier sauce.

After adding the potatoes, everything gets simmered one more time for another 30 minutes. Then you can toss out the bay leaves. If you have a ham bone that has any meat on it, you can shred that off and add it to the beans if you’d like. I don’t ever remove the ham hock. Even when I store leftovers, I leave it in there to just keep infusing flavor!

When you’re ready to serve, just add some white rice! You can also eat this as a soup. I ladle a few scoops of the beans and broth, then add just a few small spoonfuls of white rice so it’s a soup consistency. It’s a great lunch!

What goes with red beans and rice?

Red beans and rice is a recipe that can act as a main or side dish. Cuban red beans are typically served over white rice. We often serve it with a salad or plantains, either tostones (fried green plantains) or maduros (sweet plantains). it can also be seved with cornbread, collard greens, barbecued meats, and fried chicken.

Can vegetarians eat rice and beans?

Cuban Red Beans and Rice recipe or vegan red beans and rice recipe can easily be adapted for those following vegan or vegetarian diets. By simply omitting the chorizo and salt pork, you still maintain a robust flavor profile. To enhance the heartiness of the dish:

Replace meat with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Add mushrooms or tofu for added protein.
Incorporate veggie broth instead of water to cook the rice, infusing it with additional taste.You can also toss in a variety of vegetables.

Experimenting with these variations and enhancements ensures that each time you prepare this recipe, it feels fresh and exciting!

Are red beans and rice healthy?

Red beans nutritional info: Cuban Red Beans and Rice recipe is not only a comforting dish but also a nutritional powerhouse. When combined, rice and beans create a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. Here’s a quick look at their nutritional profile:

Beans: Excellent sources of protein, fiber, copper, magnesium, and iron. For instance, a quarter cup serving of cooked beans can deliver roughly the equivalent protein of an ounce of meat!

Rice: While white rice is popular, switching to brown rice can boost your fiber intake and provide added nutrients, making it a more wholesome choice.

Incorporating Cuban Red Beans and Rice into your diet can offer a myriad of health benefits:Weight Management:

High in fiber, beans can help keep you full longer, making it easier to manage hunger and weight.

Heart Health: The dietary fiber and nutrient rich profile benefit heart health by potentially lowering cholesterol levels and managing blood pressure.

Stable Blood Sugar: The combination of rice and beans provides sustained energy and balanced blood sugar levels, especially when using whole grains.

Adding greens or other vegetables enhances these benefits and creates a colorful, nutrient rich meal. Healthy eating can also mean enjoying delicious food; Cuban Red Beans and Rice recipe exemplifies this balance perfectly.

authentic cuban rice and beans