La Bandera Dominicana

c
@cocinero44

La Bandera Dominicana is the national dish of the Dominican Republic, named after the country's flag. It is a staple in every household and a recipe passed down from generation to generation. This iconic dish consists of three main components: meat, red beans, and white rice. It's a flavorful and...

La Bandera Dominicana recipe
Prep Time
1hr 0min
Cook Time
1hr 30min
Total Time
2hr 30min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = A portion of meat, red beans, and white rice)

Meat

  • beef, cut into medium-sized pieces
    beef, cut into medium-sized pieces
    2lb
  • lemons, halved
    lemons, halved
    2
  • green bell peppers
    green bell peppers
    2
  • small red onion, sliced
    small red onion, sliced
    1
  • tomatoes, quartered
    tomatoes, quartered
    2
  • oil
    oil
    2tbsp
  • tomato paste
    tomato paste
    2tbsp
  • crushed garlic
    crushed garlic
    1/2tsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1/2tsp
  • Salt
    Salt

Beans

  • boiled red beans
    boiled red beans
    2cups
  • rib bones or pork chops (optional)
    rib bones or pork chops (optional)
    1lb
  • water
    water
    2cups
  • small red onion, quartered
    small red onion, quartered
    1
  • chicken bouillon cube
    chicken bouillon cube
    1
  • chopped parsley
    chopped parsley
    1tsp
  • chopped cilantro
    chopped cilantro
    1tsp
  • tomato sauce
    tomato sauce
    2tbsp
  • oil
    oil
    1tbsp
  • crushed garlic
    crushed garlic
    1/2tsp
  • A pinch of oregano
    A pinch of oregano
  • Salt
    Salt

White Rice

  • long-grain rice
    long-grain rice
    4cups
  • water
    water
    6cups
  • oil
    oil
    5tbsp
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp

How to make La Bandera Dominicana

Preparation of the Meat

  1. Step 1

    Season the meat with pepper, salt, and oregano. Add the onion and bell peppers. Let it marinate for one hour.

  2. Step 2

    Heat the oil in a pot and add the meat. Sauté until the meat is browned.

  3. Step 3

    Regularly add small amounts of water to prevent burning.

  4. Step 4

    Once the meat is tender, reduce the water.

  5. Step 5

    Add the remaining ingredients (onion and bell peppers) and sauté.

  6. Step 6

    Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency for the sauce.

Preparation of the Beans

  1. Step 1

    Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a pot. Add the pork and sauté for a while.

  2. Step 2

    Add the oregano, onion, tomato sauce, celery, garlic, and herbs. Stir and add two tablespoons of water.

  3. Step 3

    Once the water has almost evaporated, add the chicken bouillon cube.

  4. Step 4

    Add the beans and three cups of water. Stir regularly until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.

  5. Step 5

    Finally, add salt to taste.

Preparation of the White Rice

  1. Step 1

    In a pan, add the water, 3 tablespoons of oil, and salt. Bring the water to a boil and add the rice.

  2. Step 2

    Once the water has evaporated, lower the heat and cover the pan with a cloth or aluminum foil. Let it cook for about 20 minutes.

  3. Step 3

    After this time, the rice should be perfectly cooked and fluffy ('graneado'). If there is still water, keep cooking on low heat for a bit longer.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

1470.0kcal (73.5%)

Protein

101.3g (100%)

Carbs

87.5g (31.82%)

Sugars

5.0g (10%)

Healthy Fat

50.1g

Unhealthy Fat

30.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For extra flavor, marinate the meat overnight instead of just one hour.

  2. Use fresh herbs for the beans to enhance the aroma and taste.

  3. Make sure to use long-grain rice for the best texture and fluffiness.

  4. Adjust the water in the meat and beans to achieve your preferred consistency.

FAQS

  1. Can I use chicken instead of beef for the meat?

    Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken. Adjust the cooking time as chicken cooks faster.

  2. What can I use if I don't have pork chops for the beans?

    You can skip the pork chops or use smoked sausage or bacon for added flavor.

  3. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the pan?

    Use a non-stick pan and ensure the water has evaporated before lowering the heat and covering the pan.

  4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

    Yes, you can omit the meat and pork chops and focus on the beans and rice. Add more vegetables for a hearty meal.

  5. What is the best way to store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

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