Arroz con coco (HAITIAN VERSION OF CONGRI)

People from Haiti also cook a Congrí which is representative of their country. They always use coconut, a tree commonly found in the whole region.

Recipe: 1) Ingredients:

- rice (the amount desired) - Gandul beans (fresh o-nes) - salt - coconut oil (2 coconuts per pound of rice)

2) Preparation:

Cook the beans until they are soft but preserve their shape. Add rice, salt and the oil extracted from the coconuts. It can be served with meat or fish.

Congris oriental (RICE WITH COCONUT)

In the English-speaking Caribbean countries, this recipe is enjoyed with great pleasure. It dates back from ancient times and it reflects the African influence these countries have.

Recipe:

1) Ingredients: - 2 coconuts - 2 pounds of rice - 1/2 pound of red beans (preferably Gandul) - seasoning to the taste - salt to the taste

2) Preparation:

Boil the beans for 30 minutes. Peel and grate the coconuts. Extract the milk from the coconuts using one cup of boiled water and a gauze or a very thin filtering bag. Add this coconut milk to the beans and let them boil until they are very soft. Fry slightly the rice with the seasoning and then, add the beans with the coconut milk. Let it cook for 20 minutes with moderate heat.