Frugal Travel Cooking: Authentic Cuban Black Beans With Chicken In Ecuador

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Lentils are lower in calories and pinto beans are often less expensive.

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: turkey thighs

Chicken breast is leaner, while turkey thighs can be more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often cheaper.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice is a good substitute for flavor, and vinegar can be more economical.

Sauté chopped sweet red onions, large red bell pepper, and minced hot pepper in olive oil until tender.

Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

In a separate pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil.

Add soaked black beans, chicken breasts, oregano, cumin, rosemary, cayenne, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves to the boiling water.

Reduce heat and simmer for 4 hours or until beans are tender.

In another pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add rinsed brown rice, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: