Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Bacon and Black Bean Rice Medley?
It is a hearty 'stoup' (a cross between a soup and a stew) that combines black beans, bacon, and rice with smoky spices and fire-roasted tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains 330 calories, 17g of protein, 50g of carbohydrates, and 9.5g of fat.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There are 8.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 3 slices of chopped bacon.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
For the first can, do not drain it. For the second can, drain it and mash half of the beans into a paste.
Why are some of the beans mashed?
Mashing half of the second can of beans creates a paste that thickens the stoup for a better texture.
What type of rice is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of rinsed white rice.
How long does the rice take to cook?
The rice should be simmered for about 15 minutes until it is tender.
What vegetables are needed for the base?
You will need 2 chopped celery ribs and 1 chopped medium onion.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
Is there corn in this recipe?
Yes, include 1 cup of frozen corn kernels.
What spices give this dish its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from a combination of bacon, chili powder, ground cumin, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe requires 1 quart of chicken stock.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
Use one 15-ounce can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes and one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
When should I add the bay leaf?
Add the bay leaf in step 2 along with the celery, onions, and garlic.
When do I remove the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be removed after cooking is complete, just before serving.
What sauces are added for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons of hot sauce.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Sautรฉ the chopped bacon for 3-4 minutes until it renders its fat and becomes crispy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot and cook the chopped bacon.
How much chili powder is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
How much ground coriander is used?
You will need 1 tablespoon of ground coriander.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Should I cover the pot while it simmers?
Yes, keep the pot covered while bringing it to a boil and while simmering the rice.
What heat setting is used for simmering the rice?
Reduce the heat to maintain a rolling simmer.
How should I season the dish?
Season generously with coarse salt and black pepper to taste.
Can I add more hot sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding more hot sauce at the table for an extra kick.
Is the rice rinsed before adding?
Yes, the 1 cup of white rice should be rinsed before being added to the pot.