PUERTO RICAN INSPIRED RED BEANS WITH RICE AND SMOKY BACON
A hearty and flavorful side dish inspired by Puerto Rican cuisine, featuring tender red beans, smoky bacon, vegetables, and rice. Perfect accompaniment for grilled sausages or smoky meats.
π Prep & Cook Time: 40-45 min
π½οΈ Servings: 4
π₯ Ingredients
- 1 can (400 g) red beans, drained
- 50 g smoked bacon or other smoked meat, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- Β½ bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 medium potato, diced
- Β½ cup tomato passata
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Adobo seasoning (optional)
- Β½ cup rice
- Salt to taste
- Oil (optional, if needed)
π©βπ³ Instructions
- In a skillet over low heat, cook diced bacon without additional fat until crispy and browned.
- Add chopped onion, bell peppers, and parsley; sautΓ© until vegetables soften. Add a little oil if bacon did not release enough fat.
- Stir in crushed garlic and diced potato; sautΓ© for 1 more minute.
- Pour in tomato passata and 1 cup water.
- Add drained beans, bay leaf, oregano, Adobo seasoning (or substitute with black pepper), and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 25 minutes).
- Meanwhile, cook rice in salted water until done; drain thoroughly.
- Stir cooked rice into the bean mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt.
- Serve warm alongside grilled sausages or smoky bacon.
π‘ Tips
- Adjust the Adobo seasoning or use your preferred spice blend for authentic flavor.
- Use leftover grilled meats to complement the dish.
- Stir gently when combining rice and beans to keep texture intact.
π Perfect For
- Puerto Rican and Caribbean-inspired meals
- Hearty family dinners
- Grilled meat accompaniments
π Final Thoughts
This vibrant and satisfying red beans with rice dish brings authentic Puerto Rican flavors to your table. Its smoky bacon and tender vegetables create a delicious base for any grilled protein.