Cuban Rice & Beans with Mango Salsa

If you love mangos, this recipe is for you. I LOVE mangos because they pair well with so many ingredients...even those you wouldn't think would go well. Breakfast? Yep, great with yogurt, granola or oats Lunch? Yep, can't beat a spinach mango smoothie or a mango salsa on your greens (recipe here)

Dinner? Absolutely - mangos go great with black beans, red peppers, roasted cauliflower, rice...you name it! I've also discovered the Alfonso mango, which is available at Wegmans. It's softer, sweeter and has the nicest texture. I buy those over traditional mangos, but when they are out of season and no longer offered regular mango is just as good!

"I didn't think this would be good, but I love it!" – Olive

This is the easiest recipe and you can prep most of it ahead of time!

Cuban Rice & Beans with Mango Salsa

Ingredients Cuban Black Beans:

• 2 25oz cans of black beans, drained/rinsed

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 spanish onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic

• 2 green bell peppers, chopped

• 1/3 cup green olives, halved

• 2 Tbsp Cumin

• 2 Tbsp Oregano

• 3 Bay leaves

• 4c broth of your choice (chicken or veggie work best)

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup brown rice

Mango Salsa:

• 2 Mangos, peeled and chopped

• 1 Red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 Red onion, diced

• 1 Jalapeño, sliced

• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 Lime, squeezed

• Cilantro, torn

Directions

1. Grab a deep pot and coat the bottom with EVOO. Add the onion, garlic and peppers to the pot and turn the heat on medium. While that is sizzling away, boil the rice.

2. Once the onions, garlic and peppers are soft, add the broth, spices, black beans and vinegar to the pot. Set the heat to high so it starts to boil. Mix often for about 20 mins or until the broth has boiled down and the bean mix is thicker.

3. While the rice and beans are cooking, grab a small bowl. Peel and chop the mangos and add them to the bowl. Prepare the red onion and jalapeño and add them to the mango mix. Squeeze the lime over the top, add about 2 Tbsp EVOO and mix it up and let it sit. Add cilantro to the salsa if you like, or add it to the rice...or be bold and add it to the entire meal!

4. Once the rice and beans are done, serve them in a bowl and add the salsa as well. Enjoy!!