Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Riz et Pois - Haitian Rice and Beans



We ate this almost every day in Haiti. It's a pretty kid-friendly fasting dish (as opposed to, say, the overly spicy Kung Pao I made last week).

Ingredients
1 c. dried red kidney beans (a little more if you'd rather a higher bean ratio)
1 & 1/2 tsp salt
black pepper
3 TBS margarine
6-8 c. water
2 c. uncooked rice

Night before - rinse beans then soak in water.

If you skip this step, just boil the beans a little longer the next day.

Next Day
1. Add beans, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper, and 6 c. water to large pot.

2. Bring to a boil, then turn heat to low and simmer partially covered for about an hour, or until the beans are tender but intact.

3. Drain in a sieve, reserving liquid (don't drain it down the sink!)

4. Melt 2 TBS margerine in heavy skillet. Drop beans in and stir until beans are heated through. Watch carefully for any sign of burning. Put the beans aside.


5. Measure the reserved cooking liquid and add enough water to = 4 cups.

6. Melt 1 TBS margarine over moderate heat, then add rice. Stir it around until it starts to get a little golden. Add liquid, bring to boil, then turn to low, & cover for 25 minutes.

7. Once all liquid is absorbed, stir in beans. Done.

8. Want a little more flavor? Top the Riz et Pois with a little Haitian Creole Sauce: brown a bit of chopped onion and garlic in some margerine; add tomato sauce or tomatoes and water, salt & pepper, and either watercress or cilantro for flavor.



I like this dish, not only because it reminds me of Haiti, but also because it is very inexpensive for fasting.

2 comments:

  1. Monica,

    This looks so yummy! You always have the best recipes!

    BTW, to post the button I have on my page I think you can right click and save it. Then you'd post it like a regular pic. I use a mac so I forget how pc's work, but I'm pretty sure that's it!

    Glad to hear you had helpful students helping you with all that moving! My "big" guys starts pre-k in a couple of weeks and I'm having a nervous breakdown!! :) Hope all is well!

    In Christ,
    Sylvia

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  2. LOOKS scrumptious and sounds great! I'm definitely going to make this one soon!!! I think I already have all the ingredients in the house!

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