Arroz con Habichuelas (Rice with Beans)

Growing up in New York has its perks...being exposed to a wide variety of cuisines that are all around you is a foodie's dream come true. One that I miss while here in the Caribbean is Puerto Rican cuisine. Spanish food is similar to Guyanese in many ways, but the flavors can be completely different. These two things together, rice and beans, are found as side dishes in many of the Spanish restaurants in NYC. It is one of my favorite comfort foods that is easy on the budget and fast...add some fried ripe plantains (maduros)...perfect for a quick homemade exam week meal!

Arroz Blanco (White Rice)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of medium-grained white rice
1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups water

Add the water to a small pot, and heat over high heat. When it starts boiling, add the oil, salt, and rice, and stir once. Boil, uncovered, until the water level almost reaches the level of the rice. Once the water has reached that level, turn the heat down to very low, stir the rice, and cover. Let the rice steam for 15 minutes. Then, remove the pot from the heat, stir the rice again, cover the pot, and let it rest in a warm place for another 10 minutes. After that time has passed, fluff with a fork and serve.

Habichuelas Guisadas (Stewed Beans)

Ingredients:
1 can of red kidney or pinto beans
4 oz tomato sauce (not paste!)
1 packet Goya Sazon seasoning
1/2 packet chicken or beef bouillon powder
1 1/2 tablespoons of Goya Sofrito seasoning (optional)
1 cup boiling water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil

In a small pot heat the oil over medium heat. Add the Sofrito, Sazon, and bouillon. Fry for 5-10 seconds and then add the tomato sauce. Cook the seasonings with the sauce for about a minute, and then add the cup of boiling water. Boil for about 5 minutes, and then add the can of beans with the water from the can. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, and then remove the cover and cook for another 5-6 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Once the beans are soft and the sauce has the consistency of a gravy, it's all done!