Every bite reminds me of Costa Rica. Of sunshine, and rain, buses and beaches... and memories of people I love.
If you can find Salsa Lizano, you will get the true taste of this dish. If you can't, feel free to leave it out and you will enjoy more of a classic, simple latin dish. Just add some more seasonings, whatever you'd like, to spice it up!
Any way you make it, it tastes great!
One Pot Black Beans & Rice, Costa Rican Style Recipe
adapted from Miss in the Kitchen
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 of a small onion (about 1/4 cup) chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup white rice, uncooked
1 3/4 cups chicken stock
salt, to taste (1/2 - 1 tsp or so)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 (15oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup Salsa Lizano, optional*
Directions:
In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for 5 minutes or so, until they are soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and sauté for a few seconds. Stir in the rice and and toast, stirring occasionally for a few minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock and the spices, and then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, stir in the beans, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
Stir in the cilantro and Salsa Lizano, and more seasonings, to taste, if desired.
This dish would also be great as a meal with a bunch of shredded chicken stirred in!
*Salsa Lizano is a traditional Costa Rican sauce... that is in an amazing flavor-world of it's own. Chock full of veggies, it is unlike anything I have found in the states. But if you can find it, it is so worth keeping in your pantry!
