Jagacida Jag Beans and Rice from Cape Verde

Discover the rich and comforting flavors of Cape Verdean cuisine with this traditional Jagacida, a satisfying dish of aromatic rice and hearty beans. Infused with the bold essence of paprika, cumin, and bay leaves, this one-pot meal features tender long-grain rice simmered in a flavorful tomato and spice base, making it the perfect balance of simplicity and depth. Using pantry staples like kidney beans or black-eyed peas, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, offering a wholesome and budget-friendly option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous flair, and transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Cape Verde with every bite. This vegan, nutrient-packed dish is bound to become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 pieces bay leaves
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 2 cups cooked beans (such as kidney beans or black-eyed peas)
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release their aroma.

Step 5

Add the rice to the pot, stirring to combine it with the aromatic mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth or water and stir in the salt and black pepper.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, gently fold in the beans. Replace the lid and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 9

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley, if using. Serve warm and enjoy your Cape Verdean Jagacida!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2057.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1477.3

Total Fat 46.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6164.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 221.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.5g	0%
Total Sugars 16.5g
Protein 45.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 355.3mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 2787.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.2%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 59.5%