Drain the soaked black beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with enough fresh water. Boil until the beans are tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Drain the liquid into a bowl (you will need it for the rice) and set aside about 1/2 cup of the cooked beans.
Riz Collé (Haitian Rice and Beans)
- Total time - 1 hour
- Preparation - 15 minutes
- Cooking time - 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Country: Haiti
The key to perfect Riz Collé is using the liquid from cooking the black beans. This liquid is what gives the rice its dark color and deep flavor. To get an authentic flavor, use dried black beans and cook them in advance. If you are in a rush, you can use canned beans, but the flavor won't be as rich.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Riz Collé
- 2 cups black beans, dried, soaked overnight
- water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 piece onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- salt and black pepper
- sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Beans
Step 2: Rice Base
In a medium pot over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Deglaze with vinegar and let it evaporate.
Step 3: Cooking the Rice
Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with oil and seasonings. Pour in 4 cups of the reserved bean liquid and the reserved cooked beans (about 1/2 cup). Add salt and pepper to taste, add thyme sprigs, and stir again.
Step 4: Simmering
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. Do not stir the rice. Before serving, let the rice stand for 5 minutes, then fluff it gently with a fork. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.