
Hello, fellow moms!
If you’re anything like me, juggling the demands of motherhood often means relying on easy, comforting recipes made from pantry staples. Tonight, I’m sharing a beloved childhood dish that is both simple and heartwarming—Arroz con Habichuelas (Rice and Beans). It’s perfect for busy evenings and a hit with the whole family, including picky toddlers!
Ingredients:
- 1 andouille sausage, cut into pieces (or any protein of your choice)
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup of rice, washed (adjust measurements as needed for your family size)
- 1 can of pink beans, rinsed
- 2 cups pork broth (or any broth you prefer, or even water)
- Few tbsp adobo seasoning
- 1 packet of Goya Sazón
- 1 tbsp butter
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Avocado and side salad, for serving
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage – In a pot over medium heat, brown the andouille sausage pieces. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables – In the same pot, add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Cook until they are soft and fragrant.
- Toast the Rice – Add the washed rice to the pot with the vegetables. Toast it for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the Beans – Rinse the pink beans from the can and add them to the pot with the rice and vegetables.
- Add Broth and Seasonings – Pour in the pork broth (or your choice of liquid) and stir in the adobo seasoning and Goya Sazón. Add the browned sausage back into the pot.
- Cook Rice and Beans – Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finish with Butter and Cilantro – Stir in a tablespoon of butter and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh, flavorful finish.
- Serve – Serve the arroz con habichuelas with slices of avocado and a simple side salad.
Tips for Busy Moms:
- Make-Ahead Broth: I used pork broth that I made the other day with leftover bones from pork chops. Making broth ahead of time and freezing it in portions can save you loads of time.
- Adjust Portions: This recipe is sized for my family of three. Adjust the quantities based on the number of servings you need.
- Kid-Friendly: For toddlers, you can mash the beans slightly to make it easier for them to eat and ensure the sausage is cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
Enjoy this warm and comforting dish that brings a taste of childhood to your dinner table. It’s quick, nutritious, and perfect for those days when you’re juggling a million things but still want to serve a delicious meal.
Happy cooking!
Do you have any favorite pantry staple recipes? Share them in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious recipes perfect for tired moms and their little ones.