Congri (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)
Congri, or Cuban rice and black beans, is a satisfying vegan meal that’s packed with flavour and nutrition. It’s also budget-friendly—you might even have all of the ingredients in your pantry right now!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ⅔ cup diced white onion
- 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- ¾ medium red bell pepper diced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed but the liquid should be reserved
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 2 ¼ cups bean broth In case you accidentally discarded it you can blend 1/4 cup black beans in 2 cups veggie broth and use this instead.
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the onions. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and stir. Let them cook for 5-6 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Add the garlic, mix well, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the peppers. Throw the red bell peppers into the pan and cook them for 4-5 minutes or until just tender. Stir in the cumin and season with salt to taste.
- Add the beans. Gently stir the beans into the mixture. Place the rice in the pot.
- Pour in the liquid. Add the bean broth and bay leaf. Stir once or twice to mix the ingredients in the pot. Season with more salt to taste. Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Check your package instructions for the correct amount of liquid you should be adding depending on the type/brand you're using. Most kinds will work with 2 1/4 cups, but always check your package instructions to make sure.
- Let it simmer. Immediately reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook the rice according to package instructions. It should be about 15-20 minutes or until all of the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice. Remove the pot from the heat. Leave the lid on and let the rice rest for another 15-20 minutes. Remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff up the rice. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
To store: Store leftover congri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
To freeze: Congri can be frozen for up to 3 months. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag; when you’re ready to reheat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up according to the instructions above.
Nutrition
Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 699mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 986IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg