Introduction: The Dominican cuisine
Dominican cuisine is known for its rich flavors and colorful dishes. One of the most popular dishes in the Dominican Republic is rice and beans with chicken. This dish is a staple in many Dominican households, and it is often served for lunch or dinner. The combination of rice, beans, and chicken creates a hearty and flavorful meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
If you want to try your hand at cooking Dominican rice and beans with chicken, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Ingredients for Dominican rice and beans with chicken
Before you start cooking, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried red kidney beans
- 1 pound of chicken (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 4 cups of water
Make sure to rinse the beans and rice before using them. Also, it’s recommended to soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.
Step 1: Soaking the beans
The first step in making Dominican rice and beans with chicken is to soak the beans. Rinse the beans and place them in a large bowl. Add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Let the beans soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Step 2: Cooking the beans
After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them again. In a large pot, add the beans and enough water to cover them by about 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the beans simmer for about 1 hour, or until they are tender. Add more water as needed to keep the beans covered.
Step 3: Preparing the chicken
While the beans are cooking, prepare the chicken. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Cooking the rice
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add the onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, oregano, cumin, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the rice and stir to coat it with the tomato mixture. Add 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for about 20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
Step 5: Combining the ingredients
Once the beans and rice are cooked, add the beans to the skillet with the rice. Stir to combine. Place the chicken on top of the rice and beans mixture.
Step 6: Letting it simmer
Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
Step 7: Checking for doneness
After 10 minutes, check to see if the chicken is cooked through. If it’s not, let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes. If it’s done, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 8: Serving Dominican rice and beans with chicken
To serve, place a generous portion of the rice and beans mixture on a plate, and top it with a piece of chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Tips for a perfect Dominican rice and beans with chicken
- Soak the beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve their texture.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for more flavor and moisture.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste and spices. They add depth and complexity to the dish.
- If the rice isn’t cooked after 20 minutes, add a little more water and let it cook for a few more minutes.
Conclusion: Enjoy your delicious Dominican meal!
Now that you know how to make Dominican rice and beans with chicken, it’s time to give it a try. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. So grab your ingredients and get cooking!
