Cuban Black Beans and Rice Recipe – Classic Caribbean Rice with Smoky Spices & Tender Beans

Cuban Black Beans and Rice Recipe

This Cuban black beans and rice recipe is a hearty and flavourful Caribbean-inspired dish made with tender black beans, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice. Featured on Fish the Dish, hosted by Spencer Watts, this classic side dish is the perfect pairing for grilled seafood like mojito marinated mahi mahi.

The Inspiration

Cuban black beans and rice, often known as Moros y Cristianos, is a staple dish in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. It represents a perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavor, combining pantry staples with aromatic spices to create something deeply satisfying.

This recipe draws on traditional Cuban flavour profiles—garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika—to build a rich and aromatic base. The addition of apple cider vinegar adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the beans and enhancing the overall depth of the dish.

On Fish the Dish, Spencer Watts often highlights globally inspired sides that complement seafood mains. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled fish, particularly recipes like mojito marinated mahi mahi, where the citrus and herb notes are balanced by the warm, savory depth of the beans and rice.

The result is a comforting, versatile dish that can stand on its own or elevate a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) canola oil
• ½ red onion, diced
• ½ cup (120ml) red pepper, diced
• ¼ tsp (2ml) ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon (2ml) dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon (3ml) smoked paprika
• ½ cup roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 chili pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 cups (480ml) long grain white rice
• 4 cups (1L) chicken stock
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Method

• In a large pot, bring chicken stock to a boil.
• Rinse long grain rice until water runs clear, and add rice to the chicken stock.
• Reduce heat and cook covered for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken stock has been absorbed by rice.
• Remove pan from heat and allow it to stand covered for 5-8 minutes to finish steaming.
• Remove lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
• Heat canola oil in a pan and fry the onions, red pepper and garlic for approximately 2 minutes, until soft.
• Add cumin, oregano, paprika, bay leaves, chili pepper and heat for 1 minute.
• Add apple cider and black beans and mix.
• Add pre-cooked rice and season with salt and pepper.
• Add tomatoes and mix until color is uniform throughout the rice.
• Serve with Grilled Mojito Marinated Mahi Mahi. See recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This Cuban black beans and rice recipe is a versatile and satisfying dish that works beautifully as both a side and a main. It’s traditionally served alongside grilled meats or seafood, making it the perfect pairing for dishes like grilled mojito marinated mahi mahi, where its warm, savory profile complements the bright citrus and herb flavors of the fish.

For a complete Caribbean-inspired meal, serve it with grilled vegetables, fried plantains, or a fresh avocado salad. The richness of the beans and rice is balanced by fresh, light sides that add texture and contrast.

It can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty vegetarian dish. Adding a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro just before serving enhances its brightness and depth.

For presentation, serve the rice in a large bowl or platter, garnished with fresh herbs or extra diced tomatoes for color. It’s an excellent option for family-style dining or casual entertaining.

Final Thoughts

This Cuban black beans and rice recipe is a comforting, flavour-packed dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients combined with bold spices. The combination of tender beans, fluffy rice, and aromatic seasonings creates a dish that is both satisfying and versatile.

What makes this recipe stand out is its balance—earthy beans, fragrant spices, bright acidity, and soft, perfectly cooked rice all working together harmoniously. It’s a dish that can easily adapt to different meals while still delivering consistent, delicious results.