Havana-Style Moros y Cristianos

This healthier version of the traditional Cuban dish uses whole-food, organic ingredients to offer a more minimally refined and nutrient-dense side.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic brown rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can (15 ounces) organic black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • Salt to taste

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Heat the avocado oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Stir in the cumin and cook for 30 seconds, then add the rice and stir to coat in the sofrito for about 1 minute.
  3. Add the black beans, water, bay leaf, and a good pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed — the beans and rice cook together, which is what makes this dish moros y cristianos.
  4. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Discard the bay leaf and fluff with a fork.
  5. Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt to taste.
  6. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.

FAQ

Is this Havana-Style Moros y Cristianos gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I substitute the honey with maple syrup?

Certainly! You can use a tablespoon of maple syrup instead of honey for a similar sweet flavor.

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