Caribbean Rice with Black Beans

Ingredients:

For rice:

• 1.5 cups long-grain rice
• 2 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground annatto seeds
• 2.5 cups of water
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 bay leaf

For the beans:

• 250 g black beans
• 12 tbsp of water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, chopped
• 10 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, plus extra for serving
• 1 tbsp. salt

Preparation:

1. Fried rice on annatto oilHeat oil in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the onion, pepper, and annatto and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until browned, about 2 minutes more. Add water, salt, and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Wrap a kitchen towel tightly around the lid of the saucepan. Cover the rice, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the rice from the heat and set it aside, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Then remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve with black beans.
   
   Black beansPlace the beans in a large saucepan, add water and bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Set aside for 1 hour, without removing the lid.
   
   Bring the beans back to a boil, reduce heat and leave uncovered, simmering for 1 hour 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, and coriander and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add the onion mixture to the beans and continue to simmer until the beans are very soft and the liquid has thickened, about 1 hour 30 minutes more.
   
   If the dish seems too thick, thin it out by adding a little water. Stir in the wine vinegar and season to taste with salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Serve.
   
   Recipe Jamaican rice and beans.