Bandera Dominicana Vegetariana
A vegetarian interpretation of the Dominican national dish, 'La Bandera Dominicana'. This version replaces the traditional meat with flavorful plant-based alternatives while maintaining the iconic combination of rice, beans, and stewed meat substitute, served with a side salad.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups White Rice(rinsed)
- 4 cups Water(for rice)
- 2 cans Kidney Beans(15 oz each, drained and rinsed (or 1.5 cups dried beans, soaked overnight))
- 2 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Adobo Seasoning
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 300 g Plant-based 'Chicken' Strips or Cubes(or firm tofu, pressed and cubed)
- 4 cups Salad Greens
- 1 medium Cucumber(sliced)
- 1 medium Avocado(sliced)
- 1 lime Lime(cut into wedges)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
- 2
Prepare the stewed beans: In a separate pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, adobo seasoning, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 3
Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans (or soaked dried beans) and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to soften. If using dried beans, ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
- 4
While the beans simmer, prepare the plant-based protein. If using plant-based 'chicken' strips, sauté them in a separate pan with a little oil until browned and heated through according to package directions. If using tofu, pan-fry the cubes until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- 5
Assemble the 'Bandera': Ladle a generous portion of cooked rice onto each plate. Spoon a portion of the stewed beans next to the rice. Top the beans with the sautéed plant-based protein. Serve with a side salad of greens, cucumber, and avocado, and lime wedges for squeezing.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer bean flavor, use homemade vegetable broth.
- ✓Adjust seasoning to your preference. Adobo is a key Dominican seasoning blend.
- ✓If using dried beans, remember to soak them overnight and cook them until very tender before adding to the stew.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of sofrito to the bean stew for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with a side of fried sweet plantains (maduros).
- Use black beans instead of kidney beans for a different flavor profile.