Arroz Moro: Cuban Black Beans and Savory White Rice
Arroz Moro is a delightful combination of fluffy white rice and hearty black beans, bringing together the bold flavors of Cuban cuisine in one delicious side dish. The integration of sofrito–a mixture of seasoned onions, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro–infuses the beans and rice with aromatic spices, creating a symphony of taste that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, stews, or roasted vegetables. This recipe is quick to make, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, and is sure to impress anyone at your table with its enticing flavors and colors.
6-8
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black beans
1 (15-ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Cooked white rice
2-3 cups (at room temperature)
Sofrito sauce
1/3 cup (homemade (blend onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro until pureed))
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Apple cider vinegar
to taste (N/A)
Garlic
1 clove (finely chopped)
Beer or broth
1 cup (N/A)
Goya tomato sauce
1/2 (8-ounce) can (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and the homemade sofrito. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2
Season the sofrito with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Stir well to combine flavors.
3
Pour in the drained black beans and stir to incorporate them fully with the sofrito mix.
4
Add the Goya tomato sauce and your choice of beer or broth to the pot, mixing thoroughly. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together smoothly.
5
Afterward, add the apple cider vinegar into the mixture and stir well for an even distribution of tangy flavor.
6
Carefully add the previously cooked white rice to the pot, ensuring that the grains are at room temperature. Gently mix until the rice is evenly coated and combined with the beans.
7
Cook the mixture on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice has absorbed the flavors and is heated through.
8
Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to further develop before serving.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
29g
Carbs
8g
Protein
6g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arroz Moro?
Arroz Moro is a traditional Cuban side dish that combines fluffy white rice and hearty black beans seasoned with a flavorful sofrito.
Is this Arroz Moro recipe vegan?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth or beer as the liquid, this recipe is completely vegan and plant-based.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free; however, if you use beer, ensure it is a gluten-free variety, or substitute with broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the sofrito?
The sofrito consists of a blended mixture of onion, bell pepper, garlic, and cilantro.
Can I use canned black beans?
Yes, this recipe specifically calls for one 15-ounce can of black beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
What type of rice should I use?
This recipe uses 2 to 3 cups of previously cooked white rice.
Why is beer used in the recipe?
Beer is used to add a depth of flavor and earthiness to the beans and rice, though broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
What is the purpose of apple cider vinegar in Arroz Moro?
Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor that balances the savory spices and the earthiness of the beans.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains about 8 grams of protein.
Is there a specific brand of tomato sauce recommended?
The recipe suggests using Goya tomato sauce for an authentic flavor.
How long should the rice and bean mixture simmer together?
The mixture should be cooked on low heat for 10-15 minutes after the rice is added, then rested for another 10-15 minutes.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must cook the beans separately before starting this recipe, as it is designed for pre-cooked or canned beans.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
There are 6 grams of fiber per serving.
What spices are included in the seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
Should the cooked rice be hot or cold when added?
The recipe recommends adding the cooked white rice at room temperature.
How much fat is in a serving of Arroz Moro?
This is a low-fat dish with only 1 gram of fat per serving.
What should I serve with Arroz Moro?
It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, stews, or roasted vegetables.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
There is only 1 gram of sugar per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
How much garlic is used in addition to the sofrito?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of finely chopped garlic to be sautéed at the start.
What is the preparation for the black beans?
The beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the pot.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of oregano.
Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar?
While apple cider vinegar is recommended, you could use white vinegar or lime juice in a pinch.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
You will need 1/2 of an 8-ounce can (4 ounces) of tomato sauce.
Why do I let the pot sit covered at the end?
Letting the dish sit for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to further develop and ensure the rice is perfectly infused.