Best 2 Congri Cuban Black Beans And Rice Recipes

Congri, a staple dish in Cuban cuisine, is a flavorful and hearty combination of black beans and rice. This classic dish is often served with roasted pork, fried plantains, or a simple green salad. The origins of congrí can be traced back to the African diaspora in Cuba, where a similar dish called "moros y cristianos" (Moors and Christians) is commonly found. In Cuban congrí, black beans are cooked with aromatic sofrito, a flavorful base made from sautéed onions, garlic, bell peppers, and spices, until tender. Then, rice is added to the pot and simmered until cooked through, resulting in a delectable blend of textures and flavors. This versatile dish can be customized to personal preferences, with the addition of ingredients like chorizo, bacon, or vegetables, making it a popular choice for home cooks and restaurant menus alike. Explore the diverse collection of congrí recipes in this article, ranging from traditional methods to innovative twists on the classic dish, and discover the culinary heritage and deliciousness that congrí brings to the table.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ARROZ CONGRI (CUBAN RICE AND BLACK BEANS)

ARROZ CONGRI (CUBAN RICE AND BLACK BEANS) image

Categories Bean

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper, chopped
small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup uncooked long grain rice
15 oz can black beans (don't drain)
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp cumin
1 bay leaf
pinch oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

In a heavy medium sized pot, heat oil on medium heat. Add onions, peppers and garlic and saute until soft, about 4-5 minutes. Add rice, beans, water, cumin, bay leaf, oregano and salt and pepper Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs most of the water and just barely skims the top of the rice Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minute (don't peek). Make sure you have a good seal on your cover, the steam cooks the rice. After 20 minutes, shut flame off and let it sit, covered another 5 minutes (don't open the lid).

CONGRI (CUBAN BLACK BEANS AND RICE)

Congri (Cuban Black Beans and Rice) image

This is my bother-in-law's mother's stand-by recipe for traditional Cuban fare. Healthy and good too!

Provided by gale vineyard

Categories Other Main Dishes

Time 13h

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 lb dry black beans
3 tsp vegetable oil
4 clove garlic
1 bay leaf
3 tsp olive oil
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
1/4 tsp oregano, dried
1/4 tsp cumin
1 lb long grain rice, uncooked
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Steps:

1. Soak beans overnight before cooking. Cook beans in six cups of water by bringing to a boil. Remove and let stand for about 60 minutes. DO NOT discard the liquid.
2. In cast iron skillet place the vegetable oil and rice and stir until the grains get oily. This prevents the rice grains from sticking to each other.
3. Add garlic, onion, bell pepper, cumin, bay leaf, oregano, black pepper and salt.
4. Add 2 cups liquid from the beans, bring to boil and cook on slow heat for about 25 minutes or until liquid is almost absorbed by the rice. Lower the flame, cover the pot with foil or a lid to seal in the steam.
5. If the rice is still hard, add more bean liquid, a little at a time. Cook until rice is well done.
6. Once the rice is ready, add the beans that have drained and stir. Saute one chopped garlic clove with the olive oil in a small pan and pour over the rice to add addiitional flavor and shine.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Day-old rice is recommended as it prevents the dish from becoming too mushy.
Rinse the black beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
Soak the black beans overnight or for at least 4 hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Quick-soak method: Bring the beans to a boil, then remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and to prevent sticking.
Season the Congri to taste with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Adjust the amount of each spice according to your preference.
Serve Congri with your favorite Cuban dishes such as roasted pork, fried plantains, or Cuban bread.

Conclusion:

Congri is a delicious and flavorful Cuban dish that is easy to make at home. With its combination of black beans, rice, and aromatic spices, Congri is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through the process of making this classic Cuban dish. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get cooking!