Rice Beans Haitian Style Food

HAITIAN RICE AND BEANS

Steps:

• Add 8 cups of water to a large cooking pot. Pour one cupof dry beans into the cooking pot and add salt and olive oil to it. Put the poton the stove and turn the heat to medium high. Let the beans heat for about 60minutes. That is about how long it takes for dry beans to turn soft.
• You'll probably have to stir the beans throughout those 60 minutes toprevent them from sticking to the pot, depending on how much water you addedoriginally. Once you notice the beans are soft, strain the water over anindividual container. Put the pot ofbeans aside for now.
• Grab a second cooking pot and put it on the stove. Addone tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Now grab a frying pan or skillet andsauté the garlic and onions for about two minutes. Add the beans (from thefirst post), chicken bouillon and coconut milk to the pot and mix it around.Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the mixture.
• Pour the bean water and garlic cloves to the second cooking pot. Boilthe bean water. Add a whole scotch bonnet pepper and rice to the pot. Let therice cook for 20 minutes. The rice should absorb most of the bean water by thatpoint.
• Lower the heat intensity to the medium heat setting for the pot. Addbutter and thyme to the pot and cover it with a lid. After about 15 minutes orso, the water should be absorbed.
• Test the rice to see if it is fluffy. If so, then you areready to serve the dish to everyone in your party. If you use brown rice, then it might takelonger to cook than white rice. Haitians typically use white rice in theirbeans and rice dishes. You can decide which one is right for you.

HAITIAN DIRI AK PWA (RICE AND BEANS)

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, beans, herbs, and scotch bonnet (if using). Simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
• Stir in the rice, stock or water, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let set covered for another 5-10 minutes. Then stir lightly with a fork and serve.