Lighten Up!!
Moros y Cristianos (Black Beans and Rice)

Yield: cookbook says 8, but I say 12
Source: Memories of a Cuban Kitchen (cookbook)

Cookbook Comments: A Cuban classic, this goes perfectly with all pork dishes, as well as poultry and fish. The black beans point to its origin in the western provinces; in the east, rice is combined with red peans to make Congri. Here, I prefer to use converted white rice which makes the dish moister. The classic recipe calls for long-grain.

Amy's Comments: This was part of our cooking club's "Cuban Night" menu and made a HUGE pot (a full dutch oven)!! There were 7 of us eating, many had seconds and there was STILL a ton left over - so I think this serves more like 12 as a side dish. Very flavorful and filling - true classic dish. Went great with the Cuban Pork Chops. To save time, we used canned black beans. Oh and we left the bay leaf out. I hate bay leaf. But if you like it, go for it.

INGREDIENTS:

4 ounces slab bacon, rind removed and cut into 1/4 inch dice, or 5 Tbsp pure Spanish olive oil
1 medium-size onion, finely chopped
1 medium-size green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup dried black beans, rinsed, soaked overnight, and prepared according to directions on package to yield 2 to 2.5 cups cooked black beans
   -OR- two 16-oz cans black beans, undrained.
2 cups raw converted white rice
4 1/2 cups water
2 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
2 Tbsp pure Spanish olive oil
1/4 tsp ground cumin
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a large saucepan, cook the bacon 6-8 minutes over low heat, or heat the oil until fragrant. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook, stirring until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients and cook over medium-high heat until all the water has been absorbed and small craters form over the surface of the rice, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Stir with a fork, cover, and cook over low heat until the rice is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf and serve.

NUTRITIONAL INFO based on 12 servings:

Healthy Units: 5 per serving
258 Calories; 8g Fat (27.6% calories from fat); 9g Protein; 36g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 8mg Cholesterol; 744mg Sodium.

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