I've heard the combination is quite nutritious, a face I pretend not to know while enjoying one of my favorite comfort foods. Also, if you're into this sort of thing, I can think of no better vector for hot sauce than rice and beans.
Like tomato sauce, rice and beans is absurdly flexible. I'll often neglect to buy a lot of the ingredients before starting dinner and it still comes out great. The only ingredients that are absolutely necessary are the rice, the beans, and maybe the onion. The chicken, garlic, and optional ingredients make this a centerpiece for a very filling dinner, but even without them you're left with a pretty great side. If you're feeling adventurous add some salsa, cheese, tortillas, and a bit of fancy folding and you'll have a homemade burrito.
You Will Need:
8 chicken pieces
1.5 cups rice
2.5 cups water
14 oz can crushed tomato
14 oz can pink beans
1 small onion
4 cloves garlic
salt
pepper
cayenne pepper (optional)
green olives (optional)
Steps:1. In a large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over moderately high heat. Season the chicken (1) with salt and pepper and then place it in the pot. Cook the chicken until well browned on both sides, then remove and set aside. Do not pour off the remaining chicken fat (2).
2. Add the onion to the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the onion is translucent, add the garlic and cook for about a minute longer.
3. Dump the tomatoes, beans, rice and water all into the pot. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to dislodge any tasty bits of onion, then arrange the chicken pieces on top of an even layer (3).
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat and let simmer until all the water is absorbed. Stir occassionally to prevent burning.
5. Serve when rice is sufficiently cooked. The chicken should also be ready, but you may want to cut into a piece to make sure you aren't poisoning yourself and others (4).
Notes:
1. I use chicken thighs and drumsticks. Another good thing about rice and beans is that the ingredients are reasonably priced. I suppose you could use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. But I think it wouldn't taste quite as good and it would cost a bit more. If you aren't intolerant of spicy things, you can add a dash of cayenne to each piece of chicken.
2. Part of the reason I like this recipe so much is because it only requires a single dish. The chicken fat may slightly decrease the glorious health benefits of the rice and bean combination, but leaving it prevents the extra effort of dumping it out. Plus, it tastes great.
3. Add a cup or so of green olives at this point if you so choose. I really like olives so I generally add a way more, but you should use your discretion not mine. You don't need to drain the tomatoes, but you may want to drain the beans depending on the brand you have (I use Goya and I drain them).
3. I like to squeeze some lime juice over the rice and beans immediately before serving. I think it adds a little lightness to the coming party. If you have leftovers, I recommend re-heating on the stovetop instead of in the microwave. Add a little olive oil when reheating and your leftovers will have a very satisfying crunch.
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| Arroz, Pollo, Plaintains, Paradise |
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