This is a simple, comforting black beans & rice dish – a one pot meal full of flavors that remind me of a beautiful time in my life spent in a beautiful country!
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!
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!
http://sweetannas.com/2012/02/one-pot-black-beans-rice-costa-rican-style.htmladapted from Miss in the Kitchen