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5 from 12 votes

Congri (Cuban Black Beans and Rice)

Congri aka Moros y Cristianos is a classic Cuban rice dish that can be served as an entree or side dish. Long grain rice simmered with black beans, spices, and cooked until perfectly fluffy.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Main Entree, Side Dish
Cuisine: Cuban
Servings: 8
Calories: 565kcal
Author: Julie Maestre

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 5 cups parboiled rice
  • 7 cups water
  • 1 lb black beans dried
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 3 tsp oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup sofrito
  • 1/4 cup recaito optional
  • 3 tsp chicken bouillon powder optional
  • 2 tbsp vino seco
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Begin by checking the beans for any stones. You can do this by hand or place the beans in water and the rocks will sink to the bottom of the bowl. 
  • Once you've checked the beans for any stones, rinse them and then place them in the instant pot. Cover the beans with 7 cups of water. Add 1/2 green bell pepper, close the lid, and press the "pressure cook" function. Seal the valve and cook for 45 minutes. 
  • Place the beans and liquid into a pot with high sides. Add the cumin, bay leaf, sofrito, recaito, chicken bouillion powder, vinegar, vino seco, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Discard the green bell pepper or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Cook the beans over high heat and let it come to a rapid boil.
  • Once the beans come to a boil, stir in the rice. Check for seasoning, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 25-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, uncover and stir. Cover again and let it cook until the rice is perfectly fluffy. Finally, check for seasoning and enjoy! 

Notes

  • Cover the rice with aluminum foil and a lid so the steam doesn't escape. This will help the rice cook perfectly evenly.
  • Traditionally congri doesn't include chicken bouillon powder or recaito, however, my grandmother adds it to hers and all it does is add extra flavor. Simply omit those 2 ingredients for a more authentic taste. 
  • Don't drain the beans, the liquid is what will turn the congri into a nice black color.

Nutrition

Calories: 565kcal | Carbohydrates: 107g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 3mg