TROPICAL CUBAN RICE & BEANS

This fun version of beans and rice combines the creamy richness of our Coconut-Lime Rice (see separate recipe below) with a bright tropical twist. Fresh citrus enlivens this versatile side, which rides nicely along a salad for a well-rounded vegetarian meal.

INGREDIENTS:

SERVES 6 TO 8

• 1 recipe of freshly prepared Coconut-Lime Rice (see recipe below), warmed

• 2 cups cooked black beans or one 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup diced banana (2 small bananas)

• ½ cup diced peeled ripe mango (½ mango)

• ½ cup thinly sliced scallions (about 5)

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Salt

• Hot sauce, for serving

• Diced fresh jalapeño, for serving (optional)
  

DIRECTIONS:

1 In a bowl, combine the prepared coconut-lime rice with the black beans, banana, mango, scallions, cumin and cinnamon. Season with salt. Serve warm or at room temperature, with hot sauce and topped with jalapeño, if desired.

COCONUT-LIME RICE INGREDIENTS:

SERVES 4 TO 6

• ½ cups brown or jasmine rice

• One 13.5-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk

• 1¼ cups waterSalt

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (2 limes)

• Finely grated zest of 1 small organic lime (optional)

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

COCONUT-LIME RICE DIRECTIONS:

1 Rinse the rice a few times in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in enough water to cover by a few inches for at least 1 hour overnight. Drain and rinse the rice.

2 Combine the coconut milk, rice, water and ½ tea-spoon salt in a rice cooker or a medium pot. If using a rice cooker, just press go! Otherwise, cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 35 to 40 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for 5 minutes.

3 Transfer the rice to a bowl and fluff with a fork. Add the lime juice and the lime zest and cilantro (if using). Taste and add more salt if needed, then serve.

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