Living across from the school that I taught at in
Port-de-Paix, Haiti for 3 years was a family run by Madame Robert (pronounced
Robaire). Her children attended our
school, and she had a close relationship with the staff given her proximity to
our daily activity.
Her hospitality was
uncanny. Each day there would be some
person stopping by to say hello, and many times it felt like her porch was
Grand Central Station.
I had the fortune
to be the recipient of her hospitality on several occasions, the best of
which was when I could taste her food.
You see, there’s a lot to be said about when it comes to Haiti, but when
you live there for an extended time you begin to see past that. Haiti at its core is a beautiful place with
beautiful people. Madame Robert, with
her good food and great hospitality, showed that. Below is a recipe for Madame Robert’s diri ak pwa (rice and beans). Enjoy!
Rev. Erik Marshall
From http://rehobothhaiti.com
Madame Robert’s diri ak pwa (rice and beans)
Ingredients:
1/4 c. oil
3 c. white uncooked rice
2 t. salt
chicken boullion cubes (I like Maggi brand)
2 scallions, chopped
1 T. tomato paste
2 garlic cloves, pressed
Pinch of cloves
2 cans black beans, drained, but not rinsed
In stockpot or very large skillet (either needs a fitted lid), heat 1/4 c. oil on medium-high heat. Add 1 bouillion cube, garlic, salt, cloves, scallions. Saute for 1-2 minutes. Add beans and tomato paste and stir togther until well-mixed. Add rice and saute until light brown (5 min. or so). Add 5 c. water or chicken broth (or a mixture of both) and bring back to a boil.
Let boil until water is mostly evaporated and little bubbles appear at the top of the rice.
Turn heat down to lowest setting, cover tightly, and let cook for 20 min. or so.
Let boil until water is mostly evaporated and little bubbles appear at the top of the rice.
Turn heat down to lowest setting, cover tightly, and let cook for 20 min. or so.
A couple of tips:
- the shallower the pan, the better it cooks and the less "pasty" the rice will be.
- this is a large amount of rice - you can half it, if you want. When I make rice for our family to eat, I make 2 cups of rice (3 c. of water, 1 can beans) but I wouldn't change the amount of spices.
- the shallower the pan, the better it cooks and the less "pasty" the rice will be.
- this is a large amount of rice - you can half it, if you want. When I make rice for our family to eat, I make 2 cups of rice (3 c. of water, 1 can beans) but I wouldn't change the amount of spices.
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