Angolan Rice and bean Dish: Arroz Com Feijo

Many nations that speak the Portuguese language, including Angola, have a traditional meal called "Arroz Com Feijo." This rice and bean dish may be prepared slightly differently based on regional tastes.

In addition to being a mainstay in Angolan households, this traditional dish, which translates to "rice with beans," also represents the historical and cultural blending of African culinary customs and Portuguese colonial influences. 

With its origins in the colonial era, Arroz com Feijo has developed over time, fusing regional ingredients with European influences to produce a tasty and fulfilling dish that has historical and gastronomic significance in the lively Angolan culinary scene.

Preparation Time

10 to 12 hours

Ingredients

2 cups white rice

1 cup red beans (soaked overnight)

1 large onion (chopped)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

2 medium tomatoes (diced)

1 bell pepper (diced)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper 

4 cups water or vegetable broth

Fresh parsley or cilantro 

Preparation

• Rinse the soaked beans and cook them until tender. Add salt towards the end of the cooking time.
• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
• In a separate pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent.
• Add the rice to the pot with onions and garlic. Stir to coat the rice with the oil and lightly toast it for a couple of minutes.
• Add tomatoes and bell pepper to the pot. Stir well.
• Add paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
• Pour in 4 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
• Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Mix in the cooked beans.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve.