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Moro Rice (Moros y Cristianos)


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  • Author: Maxine Dubois
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Moro Rice (Moros y Cristianos) is made with rice, onion, bell pepper, garlic, adobo, black beans, orange juice and is simmered to perfection. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • ½ red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons adobo
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, with the juices
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • Juice of ½ lime

Instructions

  1. Open the can of beans and pour the liquid into a big cup. Add the orange juice into the same cup and whatever amount of water to measure a total of 2 cups of liquid.
  2. Bring a large saucepan on medium high heat and heat up the oil. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and peppers and cook until they’re soft, about 5-10 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the adobo and oregano, tossing until it stick to the veggies, and then pour in the 2 cups of cooking liquid, juice of a quarter lime, and the bay leaf into the saucepan. Sprinkle salt, as desired.
  4. Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and stir in the rice, beans, and cover. Cook still covered for about 15-25 minutes. You should reference your rice packet for cooking time.
  5. When the rice is done, fluff, and stir in the rest of the lime juice.

Notes

Rinse the rice: Before cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky or clumpy.

Sauté the vegetables: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and bell peppers before adding the rice and beans adds depth of flavor to the dish. Cook the vegetables until they are softened and slightly caramelized for a richer taste.

Use the right rice-to-liquid ratio: For Moro Rice, the general rule of thumb is to use a 1:2 ratio of rice to liquid (broth or water). Adjust the amount of liquid based on the specific rice you are using and the desired consistency of the final dish.

Cook on low heat: Once you've added the rice, beans, and liquid to the pot, lower the heat to a simmer. This gentle cooking method helps ensure that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the beans and seasonings.

Avoid excessive stirring: While it's important to stir the rice occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot, avoid excessive stirring, as it can cause the rice to become mushy. Stir gently and only when necessary.

Let it rest: After cooking, allow the Moro Rice to rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the rice to settle, resulting in a better texture.

Customize the seasonings: Moro Rice is a versatile dish, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add more spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder if you prefer a bolder flavor, or add a splash of citrus juice for a tangy twist.

Garnish with fresh herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top of the Moro Rice. The herbs add a pop of freshness and a vibrant touch to the dish.

  • Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Sides
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 1.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg