Ecuadorian Rice And Beans (Menestra Recipe)

Name: Ecuadorian Rice And Beans (Menestra Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 tbsp (20 ml) achiote oil or vegetable oil; 1/2 large red onion ((minced)); 2 cloves garlic ((minced)); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper; 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro; one 15-oz can (one 425-g can) beans; 1/2 cup (125 ml) water ((or more for a thinner stew)); 1/3 cup (50 g) cubed cheese such as Queso Costeño, Queso Manaba or Queso Fresco ((optional but recommended, feta cheese also works)); Cilantro ((optional, for topping)); 1 cup (185 g) basmati rice; 2 cups (500 ml) water ((more or less, depending on the rice))

Instructions

Prep:5minCook:20min

Ecuadorian Rice And Beans (Menestra) is a traditional dish made with rice and a bean stew made with a flavorful garlic and onion sauteed base, seasoned with cumin, fresh cilantro and oregano, and served with fried green plantains, chorizo or sausage, a zesty onion Curtido, and salad!

Updated at: Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:08:39 GMT