CUBAN RICE DISHES RECIPES

Steps:

• Soak beans overnight to soften and remove any small hard stones. The next day, strain and rinse soaked beans with fresh water.
• To cook beans, place in a large pot and add enough water to cover the beans by two inches. Carefully smash whole garlic cloves with the back of a knife and add to the pot of beans along with 2 of the bay leaves.
• Bring the pot to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer until tender (90 minutes or up to two hours.) Set aside once cooked.
• Next, in a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic. Add spices (salt through cayenne) and continue stirring until vegetables have softened, 4-6 minutes.
• Rince rice in a strainer until the water comes out clear
• Stir in rinsed (uncooked) rice and sauté for 2 minutes so that the rice starts to toast and lightly brown.
• Pour in chicken broth and add reserved, cooked black beans along with bay leaves. Stir once then bring to a boil. Stir a second time then reduce heat to low and place a tightly fitting lid on the pot. Cook until liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
• Use a fork to loosen the rice and bean mixture then serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Steps:

• Add Pot Mixture ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir to combine. Secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
• Using the display panel select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function*. Use the +/- buttons and program the Instant Pot for 25 minutes.
• When the time is up, quick-release the remaining pressure. Run the lid under cold water and set aside. This will help the Instant Pot to come to pressure more quickly in the next step.
• Add the sliced sausage and stir to combine. Secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
• Using the display panel select the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK function*. Use the +/- buttons and program the Instant Pot for 15 minutes.
• When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release until the pin drops (typically 20-25 minutes).
• Remove the lid, then using the display panel select the SAUTE function. Add butter. Cook and and stir until incorporated and slightly thickened.
• Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break up some of the beans to achieve desired consistency, keeping in mind the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Add hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve over rice.