Congri (Cuban Rice and Black Beans)

By Jessica Swartz March 27, 2023 24 mins read 71 Views

Congri (or Cuban rice and beans) is a delicious vegan meal packed with nutrition and flavour. You might already have the ingredients for Congri in your kitchen!

Many people believe that veganism is costly. It can be expensive if you buy all the high-priced meat substitutes. Being vegan can help you save money on groceries. Easy, delicious, and affordable dishes like marinated tofu, Jamaican Rice and Peas and BBQ Chickpea Tacos. Another example is this Cuban congri.

What is Congri?

Congri is a Cuban traditional dish that uses black beans and rice. Not to be confused with Congee which is a Chinese porridge made with rice. Although it is traditionally served as an accompaniment, you can make it into a meal by adding rice or beans to it.

Congri is simple and delicious, thanks to the simplicity of its ingredients. Black beans and long-grain white rice are the key ingredients, providing protein and carbohydrates that make this a delicious meal. For lots of flavour, onions, red bell peppers and garlic are all you need.

Notes on Ingredients

Scroll down the recipe card for the ingredients and instructions.

Vegetable oils - You could also use canola or corn oil, or even olive oil.
Yellow onion will also work.
Garlic Fresh garlic is the best. However, you can use 4 teaspoons of garlic powder.
Red bell Pepper - You can use yellow or orange for the same flavour or substitute a green pepper for a little less sweetness.
Ground cumin
Can black beans - Drain the liquid and rinse the beans. You can also cook dried black beans, and then reserve the cooking liquid.
Long-grain white Rice
Bean broth- Also known as the liquid from the beans. You can mix 1/4 cup of black beans with 2 cups vegetable broth to make a substitute.
Bay Leaf
Salt

What is the difference between white rice and long grain white rice?

White rice refers to rice that has been ground and polished. This removes the bran and outer husk layers. The long-grain white variety of rice is a special type of white rice. It has an elongated kernel which makes it fluffy and not sticky. Congri should be made using long grain white rice. Brown rice can also be used, but you shouldn't use short grain white rice such as sushi rice or arborio.

How to Make Congri

Congri is easy to make. In fact, you can do most of the cooking yourself! Here are the steps.

Add the aromatics to the oil. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Stir in the onions. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until softened and fragrant. Stir in the garlic, and continue cooking for 2 minutes.

Combine the 4 remaining ingredients. Cook the red bell peppers in the onion mixture for about 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add the cumin to the mixture and season it with salt. Finally, add the beans and rice.

Add the liquid. Stir in the bean broth. Finally, add the bay leaf. Mix well and season the mixture with salt. Then, turn the heat up to high to bring it to a boil.

Bring it to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid. The rice should be cooked for at least 15 to 20 minutes, or the amount of time on the package.

Stir the rice until it is well-combined. Cover the pot with a lid. Allow the congri to rest for 15 to 20 more minutes. Then, fluff it with a fork.

Tips to Success

These tips and hints can help you create perfect vegan congri.

You can adjust the liquid amount if needed. Refer to the instructions on the rice packet for the exact amount. Most recipes call for 2 1/4 cups.
Use nonstick cooking pots. If you don't have one, you can use a cast iron pot that has been seasoned.
Allow it to steam. While it may be tempting to grab the rice as soon as you take it off the heat, it is important to allow the rice to cool in the residual heat. This will allow it to absorb moisture and give it a fluffy texture, instead of becoming waterlogged.

Variations

Congri's simplicity is what makes it so beautiful. However, you can make it your own by adding a few modifications. Here are some ideas:

Add beans to your congri. Increase the amount of beans in your congri.
Add more protein. Vegan Chorizo or another spicy plant-based sausage makes a great addition to congri. It's best to crumble it and add it after the pot has been taken off the heat. However, it is best to let it sit for a while before stirring.
Give it a spicy kick. Mix 1/4-1/2 to 1/2 cup finely chopped jalapeno with the bell peppers and onions while they cook to give your rice a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Congri is a great side dish to a simple meal.

Crispy Cauliflower Tacos With Chipotle Crema
The Best Vegan Enchiladas
Vegan Crunchwrap Supremes
Jamaican Jerk Tofu

How to store leftovers

Remaining congri can be stored in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat leftover congri by adding a little water or broth to the bowl and heating on medium heat.

Can this recipe be frozen?

Congri can be frozen up to three months. It can be transferred to an airtight container, or freezer bag. When you are ready to heat it up, place it in the fridge overnight.

Have fun with your friends Please tag #jessicainthekitchen in a photo that you take while making this congri. If you leave a comment and rate the recipe, we'd love it! We appreciate your kind words!

Congri (Cuban Black Beans, Rice and Congri)

Congri (or Cuban rice and beans) is a delicious vegan meal packed with nutrition and flavour. You might already have the ingredients for Congri in your kitchen!

Side Dish and Course Dinner

Cuisine Cuban

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 Minutes

Resting time 15 minutes

Total time 50 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 472 kcal

Author Jessica Hylton

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2/3 chopped white onion
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
3/4 medium red bell pepper diced
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can black beans should be drained and rinsed, but the liquid should remain
1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
2 1/4 cup vegetable broth If you have accidentally thrown it out, you can make 1/4 cup black beans with 2 cups veggie broth and then use that instead.
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste

Instructions

The onions should be cooked. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onions. Let the onions cook for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant. Mix in the garlic and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
Add the peppers. Add the red bell peppers to the pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Add the cumin to the pan and season with salt.
Mix the beans with the water. Add the rice to the pot.
Pour the liquid into a bowl. Add the bean broth, bay leaf, and salt. Mix the ingredients together by stirring once or twice. Add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to boil. You can check your packaging instructions to determine the right amount of liquid to add depending on which brand or type you are using. Most brands will use 2 1/4 cups. However, it is best to double-check the instructions on your packaging.
Allow it to simmer. Cover the pot immediately with a lid. Follow the package directions to cook the rice. Allow the rice to sit for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed completely.
Mix the rice. Turn off the heat. Let the rice sit for 15-20 minutes with the lid off. Use a fork or a spoon to fluff the rice. Enjoy warm.

Notes

How to store leftover congri: Keep leftover congri in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge. Simply heat the congri in a saucepan with a little water or broth until it is warm.

To freeze Congri can remain frozen for up 3 months. It can be transferred to an airtight container, or freezer bag. When you are ready to heat it up, place it in the fridge overnight.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 101g

Jessica in the Kitchen published Congri (Cuban Rice & Black Beans).

Welcome to Paleovsketo.com, your trusted source for up-to-date knowledge on lifestyle nutrition! From paleo to keto, plant-based and mediteranian diets to intermittent fasting and weight loss - we’re here to help you feel and look your best with science-backed strategies.

We invite you to join us in our mission of healthier living through education, inspiration and empowerment. Together we can revolutionize the way people think about healthy eating by sharing our stories, passions, recipes and tips with one another. We believe everyone should act like they are a part of the universe with confidence, grace and integrity - that’s why all contributions are welcome! Join us on this journey as we unlock the secrets of leading a healthier lifestyle - email us at [email protected] today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to lose weight with a plant-based diet?

Yes, you can lose weight with a plant-based lifestyle. It is possible to get enough volume from eating a variety fruit and vegetable, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, and other protein-rich plants without adding any extra calories. A well-rounded vegan meal plan is usually low in saturated fat and cholesterol-containing foods like red meat and processed snacks that tend to add weight instead of take it away. Research also shows that following a plant based diet may increase metabolism and lower the risk factors for obesity like inflammation. Eating healthy foods rich in fiber and avoiding starches, sugars, white bread, and pasta can further help weight loss and provide essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs to be healthy.

Can I eat chicken while following a plant-based lifestyle?

You cannot eat chicken if you follow a plant-based lifestyle. Plant-based diets eliminate all animal products including poultry, fish, meat, and fish. However, several vegan alternatives to traditionally meat-centric dishes offer the same flavor and texture without animal products. You can get the same flavor from soy-based proteins like seitan (wheat bread gluten), tempeh and mock duck made out of mushrooms. Vegetarian burgers made of black beans, quinoa and other legumes can be very similar to traditional beef burgers. Additionally, coconut bacon strips or eggplant bacon bits; tofu mayo; veggie hot dogs made with seasoned textured soy protein; and faux chicken strips from wheat gluten offer tasty alternatives that do not require animal products.

What are some fantastic sources of protein that can be found in a plant-based lifestyle?

The following are great sources for protein from a plant-based food diet: legumes such chickpeas, beans, and chickpeas. Also, soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and grains like quinoa, teff, nuts like almonds, walnuts and cashews. Seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli. These plant-based proteins are rich in fiber and essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. You can balance your nutrient needs by adding omega-3 fats to plant-based foods like flaxseeds. chia, walnuts, and hemp seeds.

Can you build muscles on a plant-based food?

Yes, it is possible build muscle by eating a plant-based food. It is possible to build muscle on a vegetarian diet. However, the type of foods one consumes plays the biggest role in muscle strength and size. Plant-based diets could include legumes, lentils, peas, doves, seitan and nuts. They may also include high-protein foods such a legume, peas, beans, lentils, and peas. A balanced plant-based diet combined with regular exercise, proper supplementation of vitamins & minerals can help you reach fitness goals and improve your overall health. Procurement of processed food products is a bad idea as they are often filled with unhealthy additives. In order to achieve consistent gains, adequate protein intake is vital. For this reason, include foods like quinoa and flaxseed butter in your daily meal plan. A nutritionist that specializes in plant-based nutritional can help you gain muscle mass, or to maintain your current body and health.

Statistics

Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

How To

How to incorporate more whole foods into a plant-based diet?

For optimal health, it is crucial to include more whole foods into your plant-based diet. It helps you get more dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Start by replacing unhealthy processed foods and animal proteins with nutritious alternatives such as legumes or seeds. You can get sustenance from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Also, focus on including a diversity of colors in each meal! You can boost your immunity by using colorful ingredients, such as red pepper strips or black beans, spinach and corn muffins. Configure meal plans according to seasonal produce with recipes that tantalize each taste bud - casseroles, stir-fries & smoothies are surefire crowd-pleasers!

Whole foods have a much longer shelf life than processed ones, which can be advantageous. It is possible to save time and shop more efficiently by planning your meals in advance.

Find other ways to maintain a balanced lifestyle. This could include making delicious vegan breads or substituting for fish with tofu. With experimentation comes exploration; over time, managing food choices becomes easier without compromising flavor or nutrition!