Plate of Traditional Cuban Congrí

Traditional Cuban Congrí: Authentic Recipe with Creole Flavor

Want to learn how to make classic Cuban Congrí just like it’s made at home? This savory and traditional Creole dish combines rice and black beans in a simple yet flavor-packed recipe. Perfect to serve with pork or fried ripe plantains.

🥘 Ingredients for Cuban Congrí

  • 4 measures of rice
  • 1 pack of black beans (soaked overnight)
  • ¾ green bell pepper
  • 5 strips of bacon
  • ½ large onion
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 pinch of ground black pepper
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

 

 

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the beans

In a pressure cooker, add the soaked black beans with enough water. Add a large piece of green bell pepper, one bay leaf, and cook under pressure for at least 10 minutes, until the beans are tender but whole. Save the cooking liquid.

2. Chop the vegetables

Finely chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic cloves (you can use a mini food processor to make it easier).

3. Prepare the sofrito

In a large iron pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the bacon until it releases its fat. Remove and set aside.

4. Sauté the vegetables

In the bacon fat, sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic. Add the second bay leaf, a pinch of salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.

5. Toast the rice

Add the rice to the sofrito and stir until the grains become translucent. This step helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

6. Cook the Congrí

Add 8 measures of the bean broth (double the amount of rice), the cooked beans, and a tablespoon of vinegar. Adjust the salt. Cook over high heat until the rice absorbs the liquid, then reduce to low heat, cover, and cook for 10 more minutes.

7. Finish and serve

Check if the rice is fully cooked. If needed, cook for a few extra minutes. Add the reserved fried bacon, gently mix, and serve hot.

ℹ️ Additional Information

  • Yields: 8 servings
  • Prep time: 8–10 hours (soaking) + 1 hour cooking
  • Category: Rice
  • Cuisine: Cuban

✅ Tips for the Best Congrí

  • Soak the beans in advance to shorten cooking time.
  • Do not skip toasting the rice — it's key for the texture.
  • Vinegar helps prevent the rice from sticking to the pot.

📌 Suggested Tags

cuban congrí, cuban recipes, rice and beans, creole cuisine, traditional dishes, homemade recipes

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For the original recipe in Spanish, visit: Arroz Congrí: Receta Tradicional.