Arroz con Habichuelas Blancas y Cerdo
A hearty and comforting one-pot dish combining fluffy white rice, tender pork, and creamy white beans, seasoned with traditional Cuban aromatics.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Pork shoulder(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 cups White rice(long-grain)
- 1 cup Dried cannellini beans(soaked overnight and drained)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 whole Bay leaf
- 1 packet Sazón con culantro y achiote(optional, for color and flavor)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the pork cubes on all sides. Remove pork and set aside.
- 2
Add onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Return the pork to the pot. Add the soaked and drained white beans, chicken broth, cumin, bay leaf, and Sazón packet (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until pork is tender.
- 5
Stir in the white rice. Ensure rice is submerged in liquid. If needed, add more broth or water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring back to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- 6
Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the beans overnight is crucial for even cooking.
- ✓If you don't have Sazón, you can use a pinch of turmeric and paprika for color.
- ✓This dish is even better the next day as flavors meld.
🔄 Variations
- Add a diced potato along with the rice for extra heartiness.
- Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.