Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of white rice
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of water
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add the white rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the vegetables and oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the pot, along with the ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and fluff up.
6. Serve the Menonita Rice and Beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing vegetables, low heat for simmering rice and beans
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 270
Total fat: 4g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary fiber: 7g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice.
- Kidney beans or pinto beans can be used instead of black beans.
- Any color of bell pepper can be used, or the recipe can be made with just one color of pepper.
Variations:
- Add a can of diced tomatoes to the pot for a tomato-y twist.
- Stir in some cooked and shredded chicken or beef for a heartier meal.
- Top the Menonita Rice and Beans with some shredded cheese for a cheesy finish.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove any excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the rice and beans, as it won't break up the grains of rice as much as a metal spoon would.
- Don't lift the lid of the pot while the rice is cooking, as this will release the steam and affect the cooking time.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the Menonita Rice and Beans, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Menonita Rice and Beans in a large bowl, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice
Pairings:
This recipe pairs well with grilled chicken or steak, or with a simple green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
- Tortilla chips and salsa
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is still crunchy after the liquid has been absorbed, add a splash of water and continue cooking until tender.
- If the rice is too mushy, reduce the amount of water used in the recipe next time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to rinse the rice and beans before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Menonita Rice and Beans is a traditional dish from the Menonite community, which is a group of Anabaptist Christians who originated in the Netherlands in the 16th century. They later migrated to Canada and Mexico, where they continue to live today.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and slightly spicy, with a combination of earthy rice, hearty beans, and fragrant spices.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Menonita Rice and Beans as a main dish for a vegetarian meal, or as a side dish for a meat-based meal.
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