| Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean but it has | | | | 1/2 cup diced Spanish onion |
| been isolated by its neighbour to the North due to its | | | | 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper |
| political ideology. Cuban cuisine is a mixture of Spanish | | | | 1 serrano chile, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped |
| and African cultures. There are dishes such as Moros | | | | Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper |
| y Cristianos (Moors and Christians; black beans and | | | | 1. Place rice in heavy, medium-size saucepan with |
| rice), arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and picadillo | | | | tight-fitting lid. Add 2 cups broth (or substitute with |
| (minced beef and rice) are common. There are also | | | | water), olive oil and 1 bay leaf, place over high heat |
| soups made with plantains, chick peas or beans. Cuba | | | | and bring to boil. |
| also produces a beer (Cerveza), which is an excellent | | | | 2. Stir once and cover, then reduce heat to low and |
| drink. | | | | simmer for 45 minutes. While rice is cooking, drain |
| Cuban cuisine likes to use more citrus flavors and | | | | beans and set aside. Spray medium saucepan with |
| marinades. Many traditional Cuban recipes use a | | | | nonstick cooking spray and place over medium heat. |
| tomato sauce base with oregano and cumin. Many | | | | 3. Add garlic and onion and sauté until onion |
| limes are used for extra flavoring. This easy rice | | | | begins to soften. Add bell pepper, remaining bay leaf |
| recipe will go a long way in explaining the Cuban | | | | and 1 cup broth. Simmer about 5 minutes, until |
| culture. The black beans are wonderfully healthy and | | | | vegetables are tender. |
| the blending of onions, garlic, green peppers and the | | | | 4. Add drained beans and chile and continue cooking |
| chile will make an explosive mix. It is easy to make. | | | | about 10 minutes, until broth reduces and beans are |
| This rice recipe should take no longer than 15 to 30 | | | | heated through. Season with kosher salt and freshly |
| minutes to make. Simple. Easy. Packed with healthy | | | | ground black pepper to taste. |
| ingredients. LIght on the wallet. A great combination! | | | | 5. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm until |
| Cuban Black Beans and Brown Rice | | | | brown rice finishes cooking. Remove rice from heat |
| Makes 4 Servings | | | | and let stand for 10 minutes. Spoon beans over rice |
| 1 cup brown rice | | | | and serve immediately. |
| 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided | | | | I hope you will enjoy this easy rice recipe. Be sure to |
| 1 tbsp. olive oil | | | | visit our web site for more easy rice recipes and |
| 2 bay leaves, divided | | | | other wonderful food creation ideas and practical |
| 1 can (19 oz.) low-sodium black beans, drained | | | | meal preparation tips. |
| 2 garlic cloves, minced | | | | |