Greetings foodies and home chefs! Are you ready for a culinary adventure that will take your taste buds on a journey to Puerto Rico? Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Yellow Rice With Beans, also known as Arroz Con Habichuelas. This traditional Puerto Rican rice dish is a staple of the island’s cuisine, and it’s easy to see why once you try it.

This recipe has been passed down through generations in many Puerto Rican families, and for good reason. It’s simple yet flavorful and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to some delicious comfort food, this dish is the perfect choice.

What sets this recipe apart from other rice dishes is the unique blend of flavors from the sazon goya con culantro y achiote seasoning, green olives, and dried oregano. Additionally, the pink beans add protein and texture to the dish while the yellow rice provides a beautiful pop of color on your plate.

Don’t let this authentic recipe intimidate you – I’ll guide you every step of the way. So put on some lively music, grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! This Yellow Rice With Beans recipe will elevate your repertoire and impress even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Yellow Rice With Beans ( Arroz Con Habichuelas)

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty meal that combines the flavors of Brazil and Puerto Rico? Look no further than this Yellow Rice with Beans recipe (Arroz Con Habichuelas)! As a chef who specializes in Brazilian and American cuisine, I can attest to the fact that this recipe is truly a work of art.

One reason you’ll love this recipe is the incredible combination of flavors. The yellow rice is infused with sazon goya con culantro y achiote, a popular Puerto Rican seasoning blend that gives it a unique and savory taste. The pink beans, which are the traditional bean used in Puerto Rican rice and beans, are seasoned perfectly with dried oregano and bay leaf to add depth and richness to the dish. And to top it off, green olives give the dish a tangy twist that brings all the flavors together.

Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it your own by adding your favorite meats or vegetables. Some people like to add cubed ham, which not only adds flavor but also protein to make it even more filling. Others prefer to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach for an extra nutritious boost.

But most importantly, what makes this recipe truly special is the history behind it. Arroz Con Habichuelas is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and its significance goes far beyond just being a tasty meal. It’s a representation of the island’s culture and history – its mixture of Taino, Spanish, African and American influences.

So whether you’re experiencing nostalgia for Puerto Rico or just looking for a new flavorful dish to add to your repertoire, I guarantee that Yellow Rice with Beans (Arroz Con Habichuelas) will be your new go-to meal!

Ingredient List

Arroz con habichuelas: a classic Latin American dish!

To make Yellow Rice with Beans (Arroz con Habichuelas), you will need a combination of ingredients that create the perfect balance between flavor and textures. Most ingredients can be found in your local grocery store or ethnic food store. You will need the following:

Main Ingredients

3 cups of white rice
1 can of pink beans or red beans (15 oz)
2 packets of Sazon Goya con culantro y achiote
2 tbsp of tomato sauce or paste
3 cups of chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt to taste

Seasonings and Flavorings

Dried Oregano
Yellow Rice & Beans seasoning blend
A few Spanish olives
Ham, cut into small squares

Optional Additions and Substitutions

Rice – You can use any long-grain rice you have on hand.
Beans – Rice with Beans (Arroz con Frijoles) is also commonly made with kidney, black or pinto beans. If you decide to use dried beans instead of canned, make sure to soak them overnight before cooking.
Meat – While ham is traditional, you can use chicken or bacon as well.
Vegetables – Adding finely chopped onions and peppers add a delicious flavor to this dish.

Note that these ingredients yield about 6 servings. Simply adjust the measurements according to your needs.

The Recipe How-To

The vibrant yellow color of this rice will brighten up any meal.

Preparing The Rice And Beans

Rinse and drain 2 cups of white rice in a bowl or strainer. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess starch, which will give you fluffier rice.
In a medium pot, add 3 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water, stir once, and cover tightly with a lid. Turn down the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile, rinse 1 can of pink beans in a strainer under cold running water.
In a pot or Dutch oven, heat up 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add 1 minced onion, 1/2 minced red bell pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened and caramelized.
Add 1 minced garlic clove and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed beans, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 packet of Sazon Goya con Culantro y Achiote for seasoning (optional), and stir everything together.
Add about 3 cups of chicken broth or water, along with 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce and optional sliced green olives (about 10). Stir well and bring to boil over high heat.
Once boiling, turn down the heat to low-medium and let simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes until the beans are soft and have absorbed the flavors from other ingredients in the pot.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Combining Rice And Beans

Once you have cooked the rice cover it and let it sit covered for five minutes.
After the five minutes, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
In a large serving dish or individual plates, spoon some rice on one side and some beans on the other side.
Garnish with chopped ham and green olives, if desired.
Serve immediately.

Enjoy your Puerto Rican-style Yellow Rice With Beans!

Substitutions and Variations

Beans and rice: a perfect protein combination for a vegetarian meal.

Life is full of variations, and that’s true for recipes too. If you’re in the mood to give your Yellow Rice with Beans (Arroz con Habichuelas) dish a fresh twist, there are plenty of substitution options to choose from.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water. You can also swap out the ham for soy chorizo or tempeh bacon.

For some added flavor and crunch, try adding different types of beans like red beans, white beans, or even black beans to your rice. To make the dish more protein-packed, add chicken or shrimp to it. You could also add some sauteed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes to give it a more hearty feel.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take the Arroz con Habichuelas in a different direction altogether, try replacing the traditional pink beans with pigeon peas (gandules) for a Puerto Rican-style Moro de Gandules. You can also experiment with different types of olives like green olives instead of Spanish olives.

Want to give your Arroz con Habichuelas a little kick? Add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give it a spicy flavour.

For our slow-cooker fans out there, this recipe can easily transition into an amazing slow cooker recipe by preparing all ingredients in advance and cooking on low for 4-6 hours.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to swapping out ingredients in this staple Puerto Rican dish. So don’t be afraid to mix things up and treat your taste buds with something new!

Serving and Pairing

This dish brings the flavors of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen.

When it comes to serving this flavorful Arroz con Habichuelas (Yellow Rice with Beans) recipe, there are a variety of options that can take this dish to the next level.

Firstly, you can serve it as a main course accompanied by a side salad, fried plantains or steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal that is both delicious and nutritious. You can also pair it with chicken, fish or beef for added protein and flavor.

Another option is to use it as a side dish in a Puerto Rican or Latin American inspired meal. For example, it pairs beautifully with roasted pork, steak, or chicken served along with fried ripe plantains and avocado salad.

If you are looking to keep things simple and casual, you can enjoy this traditional Puerto Rican rice dish on its own for a hearty meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.

No matter how you choose to serve and pair it, be ready to indulge your taste buds in authentic Puerto Rican flavors with every bite of this comforting Yellow Rice with Beans (Arroz Con Habichuelas) recipe.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

A comforting and satisfying meal that will make your taste buds dance!

Have you ever found yourself with leftovers from a delicious meal but have no idea how to store them properly for next time? Fear not, my culinary compadres! Today, I’m here to share some tips on how to make your Yellow Rice with Beans dish last longer and taste just as scrumptious as the first time around.

Let’s start with making this dish ahead of time. You can certainly make the rice and beans separately and store them separately. However, if you’re planning on combining them for that authentic Arroz con Habichuelas experience, I recommend waiting until you’re ready to serve or eat. By keeping the different components separate, the flavors will stay fresh and it won’t get soggy.

Now, when it comes to storing, consider using an airtight container or a Ziploc bag. This will keep your food fresh for longer periods of time and prevent it from any unwanted moisture. I recommend storing your Yellow Rice with Beans in the fridge at a temperature between 34°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C) and it should be good for up to three days.

When reheating, keep in mind that microwaving can sometimes be too drying; therefore, reheating on low heat over a stove is your best bet. This allows for more even heating and can add some moisture back into your dish so that it doesn’t dry out. Alternatively, if you prepared this recipe with slow-cooked meat or chicken pieces in it like Pigeon Peas or Moro de Guandules, try reheating in a crockpot or oven which allows slow cooking at low heat while retaining the flavors.

Lastly, if you prefer softer rice instead of crispy rice aka ‘pegao’, adding 1-2 teaspoons of water before reheating will help bring back some of its natural moisture.

These tips will help you preserve the rich flavors and textures of your Yellow Rice with Beans recipe for another day. So don’t be afraid to make a little too much because our delicious Puerto Rican staple should never go to waste!

Tips for Perfect Results

The nuttiness of the brown rice pairs perfectly with the black beans.

Now that you have learned the recipe and the variations for the Yellow Rice with Beans (Arroz Con Habichuelas), let’s go through some tips to ensure perfect results every time!

First of all, using high-quality ingredients is crucial in achieving an authentic and flavorful dish. Be sure to use fresh herbs like dried oregano, bay leaf, and green olives for a more aromatic taste. You can also choose either pink or red beans depending on your preference. Whichever you choose, make sure they are seasoned well with Puerto Rican seasonings like Sazon Goya Con Culantro Y Achiote.

To enhance the flavor of the rice, using chicken broth instead of water is highly recommended. The broth will give the rice a richer taste and help bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. If you prefer to make a vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth instead.

When cooking the rice, it’s important not to lift the lid too often. This can cause steam to escape and make your rice dry instead of fluffy. Once you add the chicken broth and tomato sauce mixture to the pot, cover it tightly and let it simmer on low heat until the liquid has been absorbed completely. Resist that urge to take a peek!

Another tip for perfect results is to add ham or bacon while cooking the onion and garlic mix. This way, the ham will render some fat that will give your dish some extra flavor depth.

Lastly, allow your rice to rest before serving for at least 5-10 minutes after it’s done cooking. This technique helps distribute moisture evenly throughout each grain resulting in a perfectly cooked yellow rice with beans- Arroz Con Habichuelas.

Don’t forget these simple tips when preparing your Yellow Rice with Beans (Arroz Con Habichuelas), so you can enjoy this delicious and traditional Puerto Rican dish!

FAQ

Now that you have learned how to cook the delicious yellow rice with beans recipe, you might still have some questions about certain ingredients, cooking methods, or possible substitutions. Fret not because in this section, I will provide detailed answers to frequently asked questions that will help you perfect your dish and enjoy it to its full extent.

What is arroz Habichuelas in english?

The name of this dish is Arroz con Habichuelas, which is a combination of rice and beans. It is a staple food in most Latin households, and despite originating in Puerto Rico, many other countries in Latin America have their own unique versions of this popular dish.

What is arroz con Habichuelas made of?

One of the staple dinner dishes in Puerto Rican cuisine is Arroz con habichuelas. This traditional meal is a well-loved combination of rice, beans, tomato sauce, seasonings, and green Spanish olives.

What is it called when rice and beans are cooked together?

Rice and beans is a dish that can be found in various forms all around the world. In Ghana, it is known as Waakye. The Puerto Ricans call it Arroz Junto, the Spanish have their own version called rice and beans, Jamaicans have their rice and peas, and the list goes on. This dish has many iterations, each with a unique twist.

What is the Puerto Rican word for rice and beans?

Rice and beans form a staple side dish in Puerto Rican cuisine.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Yellow Rice with Beans (Arroz con Habichuelas) is a remarkable Puerto Rican dish that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Its delicious taste, nutritional value, and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, special occasions, or any day you crave some comfort food.

With this recipe article, I have shared with you my insights and recommendations for making the perfect Yellow Rice with Beans. From selecting the right ingredients to following the recipe instructions step-by-step, you now have everything you need to create an authentic and flavorful dish that will impress your friends and family.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, I encourage you to try this classic Puerto Rican dish and make it your own by experimenting with different variations and combinations of flavors. Remember, cooking is all about creativity and imagination. So why not bring some Puerto Rican flavor into your life today?

So go ahead and grab your apron, turn up the music, and let’s start cooking! And when you do make your own version of Yellow Rice with Beans, don’t forget to share it with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

Dora

Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.

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