Pink Beans and Rice (Arroz con Habuichuelas)

Pink Beans and Rice ( Arroz con Habuichuelas )

Pink Beans Recipe
Ingredients:
6 oz bacon
1/2 medium white onion
1 can of Goya Pink Beans
1 tablespoon Achoite Oil
1 tablespoon chopped Goya Spanish stuffed olives
1 teaspoon Goya capers
1 tablespoon Goya Recaito seasoing
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt or more to your taste, remember that the Achoite oil already has salt and the coloring for the beans.

Directions:
In a heavy 2 1/2 quart pot, cut the bacon in pieces and fry , and then drain all the bacon fat once the bacon is nice and crispy.
Chop the onions in large pieces, and add onion, sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened.
Drain and rinse the beans
Add the beans, olives, capers, Achoite Oil, Recaito seasoning and water.
Bring to a boil, then lower heat and slow simmer for 25 minutes.

Tip: What is Recaito?
Goya Recaito, is a unique cilantro-based seasoning. Goya sautés cilantro, green pepper, onion and garlic in olive oil to create this rich, thick base that enhances the flavor of your beans, rice, soups and stews. If you cannot find Goya products in your store, you can order them from My Amazon store under the foods category.

White Rice Recipe
Ingredients:
4 oz salt pork, diced
2 cups rice, extra long grain
2 1/2 cups of water
Salt to taste 

Directions:
Wash rice under cold running water and drain.
Heat heavy bottomed pot brown the diced salt pork.
Stir in rice and add the water. Salt to taste but be careful not to over salt. Pork salts vary on who the producers are and how salty they are. After adding the water, stir and taste to see if it has enough.
Boil, uncovered, on moderate heat until water is absorbed and rice is dry (about 4-5 minutes).
Cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and let the rice sit for 10 minutes before serving.

The added bonus of this recipe is the “pegao” or crusted over rice that forms when grains of rice stick to the bottom of a heavy cast aluminum pot after it cooks. For many, it is the best part of this dish.

To Serve:

In a medium size bowl, add a scoop of rice, then ladle the beans around the rice. Ladle a couple of spoons of the bean liquid. See above photo. Enjoy!