Once a Month Cooking: Cuban Black Beans and Rice

Black beans and rice prepared in Cuba are often called Moros y Cristianos, or "Moors and Christians." The name is probably a reference to the Muslim occupation of Spain and the later Reconquista. In the dish, the black turtle beans are the "Moors" and the rice corresponds to the "Christians." The dish may also simply be called Arroz moro, loosely translated "Moorish rice."

For once a month cooking enthusiasts, Moros y Cristianos is an ideal way to use up leftover cooked rice or beans. You can make the dish from scratch if you don't already have cooked rice and beans, but it will take longer. Black beans in particular can take a very long time to cook, so plan ahead. You'll probably want to cook the beans the day before, or at least to soak them overnight and let them cook the day you intend to serve the beans and rice.

If you are looking to add a few vegetarian recipes to your cooking repertoire, this is an easy one to try. One or two vegetarian meals each week will help you save money on food, and can increase your family's fibre intake. Normally, I would emphasize whole grains, but white rice really makes this dish. I like a short grain, sticky rice in it.

Cuban Black Beans and Rice Recipe
2 cups (250 mL) cooked black turtle beans
2 cups (250 mL) cooked white rice
1-2 yellow onions, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp (30 mL) tomato paste
2 tsp (10 mL) ground cumin

Warm a skillet and put in a small amount of cooking oil. Add the onion, peppers and garlic. Cook slowly over medium or medium-low heat to sweat the vegetables. Add the tomato paste and cumin, and continue cooking until the vegetables are just tender. This sofrito is the Cuban equivalent of a mirepoix. It is used as an aromatic base for a large number of foods, including rice dishes, bean dishes, soups and stews.

Combine the drained beans, the rice, and the sofrito in a large casserole dish. Mix well, and warm through as needed. Serves 4-6. Moros y Cristianos can be used as either a vegetarian main dish, or a side dish.Like Hoppin' John this beans and rice dish is supposed to bring good luck when it is eaten on New Year's Day, but it's delicious any day of the year!