Red Beans and Rice [Diri ak Pwa Wouj] — Haiti Everyday Meal Eaten by the Rich and Poor Alike

red beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and are often cheaper.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a budget-friendly option.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Vinegar can add acidity at a lower cost.

scallions

🥗Healthier: chives

💰Cheaper: green onions

Green onions are more affordable and similar in flavor.

Add 1 cup of dried red kidney beans to a pot with 4 to 5 cups of water.

Add 1 crushed garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and 1 sprig of thyme to the pot.

Boil the beans until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours, since they were not soaked overnight.

Keep the bean water after cooking, as it will be used for the rice.

In a blender, combine 1/2 onion, 1/2 green bell pepper, 2 to 3 garlic cloves, a few parsley leaves, 2 green onions, and 1 sprig of fresh thyme.

Add a squeeze of lime and, optionally, a small piece of scotch bonnet for aroma (not heat).

Blend these ingredients into a paste to create a Haitian seasoning.

In a heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the blended seasoning to the pot and let it sizzle.

Add the cooked beans (drained but keep the liquid) to the pot and stir to coat the beans in the seasoning.

Optionally, add a spoon of tomato paste or a pinch of bouillon to the beans.

Add 2 cups of long rice to the pot and mix it with the beans and seasoning.

Pour in the reserved bean broth until it is about an inch above the rice.

Taste and add salt if needed before bringing it to a boil.

Uncover and let it boil until most of the water evaporates, about 5 minutes.

Lower the heat to medium and cover the pot, cooking until the water reduces completely.

Give it a turn and cook for another few minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: