Cuban Black Beans and Rice
Traditional Cuban black beans and rice is a staple in Cuban cuisine. Just look at any Cuban restaurant menu and you will find them. They can be served with
bistec encebollado (steak with onions),
breaded steak,
Cuban fried chicken, pork chops or
lechon asado (Cuban roasted pork). As you can tell they taste great with anything.
Are black beans and rice good for you?
Along with being tasty black beans have many health benefits too. When black beans are eaten with rice studies have shown the beans can reduce a rise in blood sugar when compared to just eating rice. Since they won't cause a spike in blood sugar they help reduce diabetes risk. This gives them a lower glycemic index when compared to other carbohydrates.
They are full of antioxidants, fiber, protein, and the good carbohydrates to make them full of nutrition. You could even call them a superfood because they contain phytochemicals which protect your cells from damage and fight off cancer.
A full list of vitamins and minerals can be found
here.
Instant Pot Cuban black beans
There are many recipes out there to choose from. However, I think you will enjoy ours the best! I am always disappointed when I see recipes using canned beans. “It’s just not the same,” I say to myself. So, to save time we are going to be using an Instant pot. The “new” must have kitchen appliance, right?
These traditional Cuban black beans are packed with flavor and I know you will be saying the same thing. Once again I have turned my mother in law's by eye recipe into measurements so I can share it with you. We will be using an instant pot to cut down on the time but it won’t cut down the sabor!
- 1 pound Black beans
- 1 Bell pepper
- 5 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 Onion (Diced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh garlic (Smashed)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
- 3 teaspoons Red wine vinegar
- Cilantro (Finely chopped)