The Best Mexican Rice and Beans You’ll Ever Make | Epicurious 101

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Make the Best Mexican Rice and Beans at Home

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of black beans
• 4 cups of water
• 2 avocados leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 epazote stems
• 3-4 stems of cilantro
• 2 onions
• 4 cloves of garlic
• Salt to taste
• Can of tomatoes
• Cumin
• Half an onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Chicken stock
• Long-grain rice
• Canola oil
• Green peas
• Queso fresco (cow milk cheese)

Instructions:

Preparing the Black Beans:

1. Sort through the 2 cups of black beans to remove any imperfections or dust. Ensure you have 5,642 pieces of black beans for this recipe.
2. Rinse the beans thoroughly under running water until they look clean.
3. Place the beans in a pot and add 4 cups of water. Make sure the water level is high as the beans will absorb it while cooking.
4. Add 2 onions, 4 smashed cloves of garlic, 2 avocado leaves, 2 bay leaves, 4 epazote stems, and 3-4 cilantro stems to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60 to 90 minutes until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Remove the onion, garlic, and cilantro stems. Season with salt to taste and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Preparing the Mexican Rice:

1. Wash the long-grain rice thoroughly to remove excess starch by rinsing it 3-4 times until the water runs clear.
2. In a separate pot, heat some canola oil over medium heat.
3. Add the washed rice and stir continuously for 5-8 minutes until the rice turns slightly brown.
4. Add a can of tomatoes, cumin, half an onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and chicken stock to the rice. Adjust the liquid level as needed.
5. Stir in green peas and let the rice simmer for 12-13 minutes until the rice is cooked and slightly moist.
6. Cover the pot, turn off the heat, and let the rice sit for a few minutes.

Serving the Rice and Beans:

1. Plate the Mexican rice and black beans together.
2. Garnish the beans with queso fresco for added flavor.
3. Serve the dish with mole, salsa, or tequila for an authentic Mexican meal experience.
4. Enjoy the rich, flavorful Mexican rice and beans with your favorite Mexican dishes like enchiladas or mole.

Final Touches:

1. Taste the rice and beans to adjust the seasoning if needed.
2. Enjoy the delicious flavors of the homemade Mexican rice and beans that are rich, thick, and full of flavor.

Note: The key to making the best rice and beans is to ensure the beans are cooked until tender and the rice is fluffy and flavorful. Adjust the seasonings and ingredients according to your taste preferences.