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Hispanic Health

Chef Leticia Shares How to Make Rice and Beans the Modern Way

Photo: Courtesy of Leticia Moreinos Schwartz

Nothing brings Latin cuisine to life like a great dish of rice and beans. Chef, author, food journalist, and TV host Leticia Moreinos Schwartz shared her favorite recipe for this staple, which includes some modern twists.

Serves 6 to 8 people

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (175g) wild rice
  • Kosher salt 
  • 1 cup (170g) brown basmati rice
  • 4 tbsp canola oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • ½ green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 cups (350g) cooked and drained black beans
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley 
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro 
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped dill
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the wild rice: Place the wild rice in a medium pan and cover with water, at least 2 inches above the rice level. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat until the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the brown rice: Wash the brown rice in cold water. Let rice sit on on colander and air dry for 5 minutes. Warm 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a medium saucepan over low heat, add the rice and stir with a wooden spoon, making sure all the grains are covered in fat and shining brightly. Add 3 cups of water, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and partially cover the pan. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
  3. In another saucepan, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium heat and cook the garlic until it starts to turn golden, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the green bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin and cook, stirring everything together.
  6. Add the cooked black beans and cook for another minute or two, just for the beans to take flavor. Transfer to a large bowl.
  7. Add the wild and brown rice to the beans. Add the herbs. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature. 
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