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Rice & Beans with Stewed Chicken

BELIZE

Let this beautiful duo be your intro to Belizean cuisine

SUBMITTED BY

Karen

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When Karen submitted her recipe, I was so excited to have Belize on the channel for the first time! Belizean Rice & Beans with Stewed Chicken is a beloved dish that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Belize. This hearty meal combines fragrant rice and beans with tender, flavorful chicken, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that is a staple in many Belizean households. Often served on special occasions or family gatherings, this dish showcases the vibrant flavors and diverse influences found in Belizean cuisine.

What is Belizean Rice & Beans with Stewed Chicken?

Rice & Beans is a classic Belizean dish made by cooking rice with red beans, often seasoned with coconut milk and spices for a rich and creamy texture. The stewed chicken is typically marinated in a blend of spices and then slow-cooked until it becomes tender and infused with flavor. Together, these elements create a meal that is not only delicious but also deeply satisfying.

Key Ingredients

  1. Rice: Long-grain rice is usually preferred for this dish, as it cooks evenly and provides a fluffy texture.

  2. Beans: Red kidney beans are the most common choice, offering a hearty and nutritious component to the dish.

  3. Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs and drumsticks, are ideal for stewing, as they remain moist and flavorful during cooking.

  4. Coconut Milk: This ingredient adds a creamy richness to the rice and beans, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

  5. Spices: A blend of garlic, onion, cumin, and black pepper season the chicken and rice, creating a delightful aroma and taste.

  6. Bell Peppers and Tomatoes: These vegetables add freshness and color to the stewed chicken, contributing to a well-rounded dish.

Preparation Method

Making Belizean Rice & Beans with Stewed Chicken is a straightforward process, with each component contributing to the dish’s overall flavor:

  1. Prepare the Beans: If using dried red kidney beans, soak them overnight and cook them until tender. Alternatively, canned beans can be used for convenience.

  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken with garlic, onion, cumin, black pepper, and any other desired spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

  3. Cook the Stewed Chicken: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and brown it on all sides. Then, add chopped bell peppers and tomatoes, along with a bit of water or chicken broth. Cover and simmer on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30-40 minutes.

  4. Cook the Rice and Beans: In a separate pot, combine cooked beans, coconut milk, and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then add the rice. Stir to combine, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid, about 20 minutes.

  5. Serve: Once both the rice and beans and the stewed chicken are ready, fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the rice and beans on a plate with the stewed chicken on top, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not only flavorful but also provides a balanced meal. The chicken offers protein, while the rice and beans provide carbohydrates and fiber. Coconut milk adds healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nutritious option.

Belizean Rice & Beans with Stewed Chicken is a delicious representation of Belizean culture and cuisine. Its combination of rich flavors and comforting ingredients makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or a casual meal at home, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Experience the tastes of Belize by preparing this culinary staple, and savor the rich flavors that make it so special!

Rice & Beans with Stewed Chicken

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Ingredients
  

Chicken Stew

  • 1 4-5 lb chicken cut into pieces
  • white vinegar or lime juice to taste
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1 tsp red recado (Mexican annatto paste) or sazon
  • 1 tsp each of thyme, salt, and black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 small tomato
  • 1 sliver ginger
  • fresh cilantro chopped, to taste
  • 2 Tbsp onion finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp green/red sweet bell pepper finely chopped
  • hot sauce for serving

Rice & Beans

  • 1 lb red kidney beans
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • 2 lbs white rice
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 6-8 cups water

Instructions
 

For the chicken

  • Thoroughly wash the chicken. Coat chicken with mixture of vinegar/lime juice, recado, salt, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and cilantro.
  • Heat two tablespoons of cooking oil in a pot. Add brown sugar, cooking until sugar melts and turns dark brown. Be careful not to burn sugar.
  • Add minced garlic to pot. Add ginger, removing from pot when it turns brown.
  • Add seasoned chicken and cook until fully browned on all sides.
  • Add onion, tomato, sweet pepper, and half cup of water to pot.
  • Reduce heat to medium and cover pot, allowing to simmer for approximately one hour. Add water as necessary.
  • Remove from heat and serve when chicken is very tender.

For the rice

  • Wash the beans, then soak beans for 4 hours, using the 6-8 cups of water. If you are using distilled water, then soaked beans only needs 2 hours to soften.
  • Boil beans until tender, with the garlic, onion. Season beans with black pepper, thyme and salt.
  • Add coconut milk. Stir and then let boil.
  • Add rice to seasoned beans. Stir, then cover. Cook on low heat until the water is absorbed and rice is tender. If necessary, add more water gradually until rice is tender.
  • Serve with the chicken stew and your favorite hot sauce!

Notes

Recipe inspired by Belize.com
Course: Dinner
Region: Latin America

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About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.

About Beryl

I have been in the film and media industry for the past 12 years and have worked for companies including Great Big Story, ABC, CNN, Martha Stewart, News Corporation, Harper Collins and Fast Company.

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