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Congri (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)
Congri, a heartwarming Cuban dish, is a savory symphony of flavors blending black beans and rice, cooked together with a medley of aromatic spices. This humble dish, deeply rooted in the cultural history of Cuba, offers a gastronomic experience that will transport you to the Caribbean island with every bite. Its humble ingredients and robust flavors beautifully encapsulate the spirit of Cuban cuisine. Congri can be enjoyed on its own or beautifully complements grilled meats or vegetables.
Ingredients
- Cilantro
- 1/4 cup, chopped
- Water
- 4 cups
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon
- Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay leaf
- 1
- Oregano
- 1 teaspoon, dried
- Cumin
- 1 teaspoon
- Garlic
- 3 cloves, minced
- Green bell pepper
- 1, diced
- Onion
- 1, diced
- Bacon
- 4 strips, chopped
- White rice
- 1 cup
- Black beans
- 1 cup, dried
Instructions
- Rinse the black beans under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl filled with plenty of water. Drain the beans the next day before cooking.
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve the bacon fat in the pot.
- In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat until they become soft and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the soaked and drained black beans, white rice, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and water into the pot. Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. During this time, the beans and rice should become tender and the flavors well incorporated.
- After the cooking time, remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped cilantro and the previously cooked bacon.
- Serve the Congri hot, garnished with additional chopped cilantro if desired. This dish is perfect as a main course or as a side dish to grilled meats or vegetables.
Tips
- If you're short on time, you can use canned black beans instead of dried ones. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the pot.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the vegetables.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 Dish Type: Main Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time) Cook Time: 45 minutes Calories: 340 Fat: 10g Carbs: 50g Protein: 13g Sodium: 780mg Sugar: 2g
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