Casamiento - Salvadoran Rice and Beans

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice
• 1 cup (200g) red or black beans, cooked 1 cup (200g) red or black beans, cooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the vegetable mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the rice starts to turn translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the cooked beans, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Pour in 2 cups (470ml) of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. 5.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the bay leaves. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beans — If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly before adding to the dish to remove excess sodium. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender before incorporating into the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can use chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika.
• Adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving can enhance the flavors of the dish.
• If you prefer a spicier casamiento, you can add a diced jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sofrito.

Serving advice

Casamiento can be served as a main course accompanied by grilled meats, such as carne asada or grilled chicken. It can also be served as a side dish alongside plantains, avocado slices, and a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of casamiento, you can garnish it with additional fresh cilantro leaves and serve it in a colorful bowl or on a decorative plate. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing.