Black beans are extremely popular in Cuba showing up in a variety of dishes. One of the most popular is Moros Y Cristianos (Rice Cooked in Black Beans). Cuban Rice and Black Beans Breakfast is a spinoff of that popular dish.
This recipe comes to us from a Randall Beans fan who swears by this recipe as a creative way to feature beans for breakfast. The key to this recipe is letting the rice cook in the water from the beans, giving the rice a more earthy flavor. For variety, if you want more vegetables, add diced pepper and or celery with the onions and garlic to the Cuban Rice and Black Beans.
Still not reading as “breakfast.” Wait for the clincher: a fried egg on top! The egg adds a rich and creamy quality and the runny yolk mixes perfectly with the rice to help hold it all together.
The rice portion of the dish can be prepared in advance and stored overnight in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat in the microwave before adding the egg and avocado.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tsp. table salt
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. chicken bouillon powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 3/4 cup long grain white rice
- 1 14-oz. jar of Randall Beans Black Beans
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- Four eggs
- 2 Avocados
- 4 Tbsp. sour cream
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Heat oil on medium.
- Place garlic clove on a cutting board and sprinkle with table salt. Let sit for 3 minutes and mince into a paste with knife. Set aside.
- Add onion and garlic paste to oil. Stir until onion is translucent, about 5 min. Add the chicken bouillon powder, the bay leaf, cumin, oregano, and rice.
- Stir for 1 minute until well mixed and all the rice is coated in oil.
- Add the beans with their liquid, the water.
- Mix to combine.
- Cover and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce to a simmer, and simmer covered for 45 minutes. Do not peek. Keeping pot covered, let it rest off heat another 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and serve.
- The rice can be reheated the next day. But is best served fresh.
- Fry the eggs.
- Scoop rice and beans onto plate.
- Place egg on top.
- Garnish with 1/2 an avocado and tablespoon of sour cream.
Why Black Beans
Not only is this dish a delicious way to start your day, it is also good for you. Here are just a few reasons to add black beans to your diet.
- Help maintain healthy bones – Black beans are high in protein and fiber, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc all of which contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.
- Help lowering blood pressure – Black beans are naturally low in sodium and contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium, all of which have been found to decrease blood pressure naturally.
- Healthy digestion – Because of their fiber content, black beans promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract. They also provide fuel for the healthy bacteria in the colon.
