Arroz con Habichuelas Rosadas
A staple of Puerto Rican cuisine, this flavorful rice dish features tender pink beans cooked with sofrito, spices, and often a piece of salted pork or ham hock for added depth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice
- 2 15-oz cans Canned pink beans(undrained)
- 3 tbsp Sofrito
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 4 oz Salt pork or ham hock(optional, diced)
- 3 cups Water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Adobo seasoning
- 1 packet Sazón con culantro y achiote
- 1 large Bay leaf
- to taste Salt and black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using salt pork or ham hock, render it in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the pork, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If not using pork, heat olive oil in the pot.
- 2
Add sofrito to the pot and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the sofrito. - 3
Stir in the undrained pink beans, adobo, sazón packet, and bay leaf. Add the water or broth.
💡 Tip: Using the liquid from the canned beans adds extra flavor. - 4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 5
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the pot. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing mushy rice. - 6
Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. - 7
Once cooked, let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving. Discard the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use ham hock and simmer it longer in step 3.
- ✓Adjust the amount of sofrito to your preference.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker bean sauce, mash some of the beans against the side of the pot before adding the rice.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced ham or tocino (Puerto Rican bacon) for extra flavor.
- Incorporate a pinch of cumin for a different spice profile.
- Serve with a side of fried plantains or a fresh salad.