Moros y Cristianos has been said to translate to Moors and Christians. The Black beans represent the Moors, and the rice represents the Christians. Cuban food has always been considered to have strong ties to the Spanish, North African, and Caribbean areas.
Moros y Cristianos has always been a popular dish served at the Feast of St. George. This feast and a number of other festivals are said to commemorate the Reconquista – a prolonged period of fighting between the Christian and the Muslim people.
Moros y Cristianos
- One and 1/2 to 2 cups dried black beans, rinsed clean
- Water or stock, enough to cook beans
- Two teaspoons dried oregano
- Two bay leaves
- Two tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 pound sliced bacon, diced
- Three tomatoes seeds removed and diced
- One green pepper seeded and chopped
- One Spanish onion, finely chopped
- Two tablespoons minced fresh garlic
- Two teaspoons ground cumin
- Two teaspoons ground coriander
- Four cups cooked long-grain rice
- One teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Method used
- In a large saucepan, combine the black beans with 1 teaspoon of oregano, bay leaves, and cold water/ or stock to cover by 2 inches and bring to a boil. Cover partially and simmer over moderately low heat until the beans are cooked for about 90 minutes.
- Partially Drain the black beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid in a pan with beans. Discard the bay leaves at this time.
- Place the pan On medium heat. Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat, frequently stirring, until crisp, about 15 minutes.
- Drain off all but about 1/3 cup of fat from the pan. Add the Spanish onion, Green pepper, fresh garlic, cumin, coriander, the remaining 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 2 more bay leaves.
- Cook over moderately low heat, stirring the beans often until the onion is softened. At this time, add to beans, along with diced tomatoes. Simmer another 10 minutes.
- Serve over white rice. Garnish with avocado if desired.

Moros y Cristianos
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans dried
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 4 bay leaves reserve 2
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ pound bacon or ham diced
- 3 tomatoes seeds removed and diced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- long-grain rice cooked
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the black beans with 1 teaspoon of oregano, bay leaves, and cold water/ or stock to cover by 2 inches and bring to a boil. Cover partially and simmer over moderately low heat until the beans are cooked for about 90 minutes.
- Partially Drain the black beans, reserving some of the cooking liquid in a pan with beans. Discard the bay leaves at this time.
- Place the pan On medium heat. Heat the olive oil in a pan. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until crisp, about 15 minutes.
- Drain off all but about ⅓ cup of the fat from the pan. Add the Spanish onion, Green pepper, fresh garlic, cumin, coriander, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 2 more bay leaves.
- Cook over moderately low heat, stirring the beans often until the onion is softened. At this time add to beans, along with diced tomatoes. Simmer another 10 minutes.
- Serve over white rice, garnish with avocado if desired.
Nutrition
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10 Comments
pattyanderson54
June 11, 2015 at 2:42 pmLove beans and rice dishes Heidy and I liked the bit of history too. Always want to learn.
Heidy L. McCallum
June 12, 2015 at 12:29 amBlack beans are so awesome and versatile, one of my favorites too Patty.
tampacakegirl
May 7, 2015 at 1:59 pmLiving in Florida, I have become a big fan of Cuban food. Black beans and rice are my favorites. Your photos are making me hungry!
Heidy L. McCallum
June 10, 2015 at 5:30 pmThank you Cydneem I do love Cuban food!
Mandy Lewis
June 25, 2014 at 12:51 pmCuban food is an all time favorite of ours. Glad I found your recipe for Black Beans and Rice!
Heidy L. McCallum
June 25, 2014 at 12:52 pmI love it too Mandy, being down in South Florida we used to have it all the time! Glad you enjoyed our Moros y Cristianos, Cuban Black Beans and Rice
The Foodie Affair
May 21, 2014 at 5:21 amLooks tasty and filling! Healthy for you too!
Heidy L. McCallum
May 21, 2014 at 4:48 pmThank you Black Beans are wonderful!
Kecia
May 20, 2014 at 1:55 pmThis looks fantastic! I could really dig into this for dinner tonight!
Heidy L. McCallum
May 20, 2014 at 3:18 pmThank you Kecia, I love a good recipe for black Beans and rice!!!