Moros y Cristianos (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)
Local name: Moros y cristianos
In short: Black beans and long-grain rice cooked together in the bean broth with sofrito, cumin and bay leaf until the grains turn dark and tender. It takes about 2 h 5 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 45 min
- Resting
- 8 h
- Total
- 2 h 5 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 355 kcal
Moros y cristianos, or moros for short, is the Cuban way of cooking black beans and white rice together in one pot. The beans are simmered first, then the rice joins them in the dark bean broth with a sofrito of onion, green pepper and garlic, plus cumin, oregano and a bay leaf. The grains take on the color and flavor of the beans. It is a regular at Sunday lunches and on Nochebuena, served with roast pork, picadillo or vaca frita.
Instructions
- Put the soaked beans in a pot with the water, bay leaf and pepper half. Boil hard for 10 minutes, then simmer partly covered for 50 to 65 minutes, until the beans are tender but not falling apart. Add water if the level drops below the beans.
- Drain the beans, keeping the cooking liquid. Discard the bay leaf and pepper half. Measure 560 ml (2 1/4 cups) of the liquid, adding water if you are short.
- Heat the oil in a wide, heavy pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and chopped pepper for 6 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, cumin and oregano and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes to coat the grains in oil. Add the beans, the measured liquid, vinegar and salt, and stir once.
- Bring to a boil and cook uncovered until the liquid reaches the level of the rice, about 5 minutes. Then cover tightly, lower the heat and cook for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.
Tips
- To skip the soaking and simmering, use two 400 g (14 oz) cans of black beans, drained, and 560 ml (2 1/4 cups) of water or stock. The flavor will be a little lighter.
- Do not stir the rice once the pot is covered. Stirring releases starch and makes the grains sticky instead of separate.
Questions and answers
What does moros y cristianos mean?
It translates as Moors and Christians. The name refers to the black beans and white rice cooked together, and it is simply what Cubans call the dish.
What is the difference between moros y cristianos and congrí?
Moros y cristianos uses black beans, while congrí uses red beans or cowpeas, often with pork. Both cook the beans and rice together in one pot.
Can I freeze moros y cristianos?
Yes. Cool it quickly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it covered with a splash of water until steaming hot.
How long does it take to make Moros y Cristianos (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)?
About 2 h 5 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Moros y Cristianos (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)?
About 355 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 61 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 355 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 61 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
