How to Make the Perfect Cuban Black Beans and Rice
Cuban · Easy · 50 min · 4 servings
Cuban Black Beans and Rice is a comforting and deeply flavored dish where creamy black beans are simmered with sofrito and served over fluffy white rice. It is a beloved staple known locally as Moros y Cristianos and works perfectly as a main or hearty side dish.
Why this recipe works
This Cuban Black Beans and Rice recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 340 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 whole green bell pepper diced
- 1 whole white onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the white rice under cold water until it runs clear. Combine 2 cups of rice with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until fluffy.
Step 2: Make the Sofrito
In a large saucepan heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Simmer the Beans
Add the drained black beans to the sofrito along with half a cup of water. Stir well, season with salt and pepper, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beans become very creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Taste the beans and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the black beans ladled generously over the cooked white rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- canned black beans → dried black beans soaked overnight and cooked
- white rice → brown rice for added fiber
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing the rice before cooking which results in sticky and gummy rice
- Cooking the beans at too high a temperature which causes them to become mushy and break apart
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 340 calories, 14g protein, 62g carbs, 5g fat, 12g fiber.
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