Cuban Congri

Servings: 4

Author: Chef Connie

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Cuban Congri

Here's a classic Cuban Congrí recipe, also known as Moros y Cristianos, which is a traditional Cuban dish made from black beans and rice cooked together, typically flavored with aromatic spices, pork, and sofrito.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 1 H & 30 MTotal time: 1 H & 45 M

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Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black beans
• 4 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or pork fat
• 4 ounces bacon or pork belly, diced (optional but traditional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups long grain white rice
• 2 cups reserved black bean cooking liquid (or water + some canned bean liquid)
• 1 ½ cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed slightly)

Instructions

1. Rinse and soak black beans overnight in water.
2. Drain, then add fresh water (about 4 cups), 1 bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until tender. Reserve 2 cups of the cooking liquid and set beans aside.
4. In a large pot or deep pan, heat olive oil or pork fat over medium heat.
5. Add diced bacon or pork belly if using. Cook until browned and some fat is rendered.
6. Add onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are soft and fragrant (about 5–7 minutes).
7. Stir in cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
8. Add the uncooked white rice and stir well to coat with the sofrito and fat.
9. Pour in the 2 cups of black bean cooking liquid (or mix of water/bean liquid) and bring to a boil.
10. Add the cooked black beans and stir gently to combine.
11. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
12. Turn off heat and let it sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

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Congri is a traditional Cuban dish that beautifully combines rice and black beans, creating a hearty and flavorful staple of Cuban cuisine. The dish is often prepared by cooking the rice with the beans, allowing the deep, earthy flavors to meld together, while spices such as garlic, cumin, and bay leaves add depth and aroma. Typically served alongside meat dishes or as a standalone vegetarian option, Congri showcases the resourcefulness of Cuban cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying meal. Its rich taste and cultural significance make it a beloved favorite in households across Cuba and beyond.

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