NICARAGUAN RICE AND BEANS RECIPES

Steps:

• Cover the beans generously in water and soak at least 4 hours.
• Drain the beans and place in a large pot with two quarts of water.
• Pin the bay leaf to the onion with the clove and add to the pot.
• Add beans and garlic.
• Gradually bring beans to a boil, skimming off foam.
• Reduce heat and gently simmer the beans uncovered until tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, adding salt to taste during the last ten minutes.
• Drain the beans and refresh under cold water.
• Discard the onion, bay leaf, and clove.
• In a large heavy saucepan, bring 2.5 cups of water and 1 tsp salt to a boil.
• Add the rice and return to a boil.
• Gently simmer the rice until tender, about 18 minutes.
• Let the rice sit uncovered for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy frying pan.
• Add onion and brown well, about 5 minutes.
• Add rice and beans and cook until very aromatic and the rice starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Correct the seasonings and serve.

Steps:

• In large saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add rice, peas, tomato, beans, chiles and garlic salt; mix well. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 to 6 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
• Stir in onion, chopped cilantro and lime juice; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Stir well. Garnish as desired.