Cooked Haitian Rice and Beans

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:

1. 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.
2. Put oil in a separate large saucepan and heat on medium high.  Once the oil is hot, add the spice.
3. After a few minutes, add the drained cooked beans to the oil and spice.
4. Add the chicken bouillon, salt, coconut milk and red pepper.
5. 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.
6. Use a big spoon to mix everything together, adding salt if needed.
7. Lower the heat, cove, and let simmer for 10 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
8. 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!