Arroz con Habichuelas Rojas
Experience the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with this delightful Arroz con Habichuelas Rojas. This dish combines tender red kidney beans with aromatic seasonings, smoky ham, and optional chorizo, all served atop fluffy white rice. Each bite is a nostalgic taste of La Isla Del Encanto, guaranteed to transport you back to sun-soaked days filled with laughter and family gatherings. Perfect on its own or paired with a light salad, this one-dish meal is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your dinner table!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chopped lean ham
1/2 cup (chopped)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
chorizo sausage
1/2 cup (optional, chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
red kidney beans
1 (19 ounce) can (rinsed)
unsalted tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
uncooked white rice
2 cups (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped ham, chorizo (if using), onion, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin, and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Add the rinsed red kidney beans, tomato sauce, and Tabasco sauce to the saucepan. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
In a separate pot, rinse 2 cups of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice with the bean mixture.
6
Pour in 4 cups of water and add salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8
Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve warm. Enjoy your meal with a salad or on its own!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
45g
Carbs
10g
Protein
4.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arroz con Habichuelas Rojas?
Arroz con Habichuelas Rojas is a traditional Puerto Rican dish featuring red kidney beans and rice cooked with aromatic seasonings, ham, and spices.
Is this recipe considered authentic?
Yes, this recipe uses classic Puerto Rican flavors like garlic, cumin, and sofrito-base ingredients like onions and peppers to capture the essence of La Isla Del Encanto.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham and chorizo and ensure the tomato sauce and other ingredients are plant-based.
Is the chorizo sausage mandatory?
No, the chorizo is optional but it adds a smoky depth and extra flavor to the dish.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for one 19-ounce can of red kidney beans, rinsed.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must soak and cook the dried beans until tender before adding them to the rice mixture.
What is the calorie count for a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in this Arroz con Habichuelas Rojas?
This recipe contains 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
Is this a high-protein meal?
It provides a moderate amount of protein, approximately 10 grams per serving.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of uncooked white rice.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
How long does it take to cook the rice?
Once the water boils, reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
What is the purpose of Tabasco sauce in this recipe?
Tabasco adds a slight heat and vinegary tang that complements the savory beans and rice.
Can I substitute the green bell pepper?
Yes, you can use red or yellow bell peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
How much water is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of water to cook the 2 cups of rice.
What spices are used?
The primary spices are ground cumin, garlic, and salt.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Tabasco, which provides some heat, but it is generally considered a mild to medium comfort food.
What should I serve with Arroz con Habichuelas Rojas?
It can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a fresh side salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice and beans are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the labels on the ham, chorizo, and tomato sauce to ensure they have no gluten additives.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use olive oil for sautéing?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the vegetables and meats.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 4.5 grams of fiber per serving, largely thanks to the kidney beans.
Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce?
You can, but you will need to dilute it with water to reach the consistency of the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce called for in the recipe.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when it is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Should I fluff the rice?
Yes, fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking helps separate the grains and improves the texture.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a one-dish meal, making it perfect for novice cooks.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
How long do I sauté the vegetables?
The ham, chorizo, onion, and green pepper should be sautéed for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender.