By Natacha Lucien, Child Advocate
How to cook Haitian Rice and Beans
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups rice
- 1 ½ cup beans
- ½ cup oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons of spice (epice)*
- 1 cube of chicken bouillon
- 1 red or green pepper
- 1 can of coconut milk
*Spice, or “épice” in French, is a mixture of garlic, leek or green onion, green pepper, tomato, hot sauce, parsley and thyme blended together, that is both aromatic and makes your food taste even better!
Instructions:
- Place beans in a large pot, and cover with 3 inches of water. Boil the beans for about thirty minutes; check to see if they’re cooked.
- Put oil in a separate large saucepan and heat on medium high. Once the oil is hot, add the spice.
- After a few minutes, add the drained cooked beans to the oil and spice.
- Add the chicken bouillon, salt, coconut milk and red pepper.
- Bring back to a boil and add the rice. Add water if needed, making sure the water doesn’t cover the rice totally; there must be a tip like a mountain tip sticking up above the water.
- Use a big spoon to mix everything together, adding salt if needed.
- Lower the heat, cove, and let simmer for 10 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- Rice and beans may be served with goat, chicken or beef. Garnish with sliced onion or lettuce.
Did you know rice is a favorite food for most Haitians? Enjoy!
