Congrí Oriental
A flavorful and hearty rice and red bean dish originating from the eastern provinces of Cuba, often cooked with pork for added depth. It's a staple comfort food that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the region.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Dry red beans
- 2 cups White rice
- 4 oz Bacon or salt pork(diced)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(diced)
- 0.5 medium Green bell pepper(diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 1.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 8 cups Water(for cooking beans and rice)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the red beans and soak them in water overnight or for at least 4 hours. Drain and rinse again.
- 2
In a medium pot, combine the soaked beans with 6 cups of fresh water, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Reserve about 2-3 cups of the bean broth and set the cooked beans aside.
- 3
While the beans are cooking, render the diced bacon or salt pork in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the crispy bits with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 4
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cumin, and oregano, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the rinsed rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted and coated in the fat.
- 6
Add the cooked red beans, the reserved bean broth (about 2-3 cups), and enough additional water to equal about 1.5 cups of liquid per cup of rice (total liquid around 3 cups). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring too much to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- 8
Once cooked, let the congrí rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in the reserved crispy bacon bits before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Do not overcook the beans; they should be tender but hold their shape.
- ✓Adjust the amount of liquid based on the type of rice used.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a diced ham hock or a piece of pork shoulder to simmer with the beans.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some versions use black beans instead of red beans, in which case it's often called 'Moros y Cristianos'.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.