Chukchi-style Rice and Beans

Ingredients

In this Chukchi-inspired adaptation, we incorporate traditional Chukchi ingredients and flavors to create a unique twist on the classic Puerto Rican Arroz y Habichuelas. The original dish typically uses ingredients like sofrito, sazón, and adobo for flavoring, which are replaced with Chukchi spices and herbs. Additionally, we incorporate local Arctic beans and indigenous grains to give the dish an authentic Chukchi touch. We alse have the original recipe for Arroz y habichuelas, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) Arctic beans, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) Arctic beans, soaked overnight
• 1 cup (200g) Chukchi rice 1 cup (200g) Chukchi rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Chukchi spice blend (a mix of dried herbs and spices commonly used in Chukchi cuisine) 1 teaspoon Chukchi spice blend (a mix of dried herbs and spices commonly used in Chukchi cuisine)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), for garnish Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the soaked Arctic beans and cook them in a pot of boiling water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the Chukchi spice blend to the pot and stir well to coat the onions and garlic.
4. 4.
   Add the Chukchi rice to the pot and stir to combine with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in enough water to cover the rice by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
6. 6.
   Once the rice is cooked, add the cooked Arctic beans to the pot and gently mix them with the rice.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste and let the flavors meld together for a few minutes.
8. 8.
   Serve the Chukchi-style Rice and Beans hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arctic beans — Make sure to soak the beans overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find Chukchi spice blend, you can create your own by combining dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary with a pinch of ground black pepper.
• Feel free to add some diced vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• For a richer taste, you can cook the rice and beans in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
• Serve the dish with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Serving advice

Chukchi-style Rice and Beans can be enjoyed as a satisfying main dish on its own. However, you can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled or roasted meats for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of this dish, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top and serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter. The vibrant colors of the beans and rice will create an appealing visual contrast.