Arroz Mamposteao is an iconic Puerto Rican recipe featuring leftover rice and beans. The name of this iconic Puerto Rican dish is derived from the word “mampuesto,” meaning a mix of different things or a mishmash.
Get ready for a taste explosion, folks, because we’re diving headfirst into the flavorful world of Puerto Rican cuisine with the one and only arroz mamposteao. This dish is like the cool cousin at the family reunion – laid-back, a bit eclectic, and always the life of the party. Its roots run deep in the heart of Puerto Rico, where resourcefulness and a dash of culinary magic turn yesterday’s rice and beans and whatever’s left in the kitchen into a dish that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
What Is Arroz Mamposteao?
The name of this iconic Puerto Rican dish is derived from the word “mampuesto,” meaning a mix of different things or a mishmash. Arroz mamposteao is a great way to use leftover rice and beans from last night’s dinner, alongside whatever bits of leftover meat you have. Essentially, you heat up leftover beans and toss some cooked white rice into it to create a new dish. Mamposteao typically has chunks of meat in it, so it’s a great way to use up a stray leftover porkchop, sausage, ham or steak, but this is optional. Once you make this dish, you’ll find yourself making extra white rice and pink beans just so that you have an excuse to make this dish! It’s a parade of happiness on a plate.
What To Serve With Arroz Mamposteao?
This dish is a great recipe in itself with a couple of fried eggs, or you can serve it alongside some classic Puerto Rican dishes like Chicharrones De Pollo (Puerto Rican Fried Chicken), Puerto Rican Pinchos De Pollo (Chicken Kabobs), Puerto Rican Pernil (Roast Pork Shoulder), or Carne Guisada (Puerto Rican Beef Stew). Bonus points if you serve with some crispy fried plantains!
So, next time you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, channel your inner Puerto Rican chef and whip up some arroz mamposteao. It’s not just a dish; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of Puerto Rico – a celebration of flavors, history, and the joy that comes from turning the everyday into a culinary masterpiece. ¡Buen provecho!
Check out these other Puerto Rican rice recipes from Delish D’Lites!
- Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken & Rice)
- Arroz Con Gandules (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas)
- Puerto Rican White Rice With Pegao
- Asopao De Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken & Rice Stew)
Puerto Rican Arroz Mamposteao
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup cooked habichuelas guisadas stewed pink beans
- 2 teaspoons achiote oil
- ¼ cup chopped red bell peppers
- ¼ cup chopped green bell peppers
- 1/4 cup cooked ham diced
- 2 tablespoons sofrito
- 1 cup cooked sausage or diced pork optional
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
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Heat annatto oil in a caldero or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the peppers, onions, ham and sofrito into the pot. Stir all the ingredients until well blended and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes.
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Add the beans and leftover meat (if using) and cook for 2 minutes, until they’re bubbling.
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Add cooked white rice into saucepan and mix white rice well into the sautéed ingredients. Stir until the rice and beans are well blended.
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After mixing the rice and beans, pour more bean sauce if the rice is not moist. The rice should be moist but not mushy.
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Cover saucepan with lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes over medium heat.
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Garnish with cilantro. Serve as a complete meal or with your favorite meat or fish.
