Arroz con Habichuelas (rice and beans) is another typical Puerto Rican dish that you will encounter almost everywhere you go on the island.

Don’t let the simplicity of this dish fool you. It is delicious – the reason why is a favorite dish. The secret is in the beans. Just like in the Arroz con Gandules, the beans are cooked with secret family recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. So, again, you will not taste two similar Arroz con Habichuelas!

Ok, so what is in the beans? Sofrito, this is a major ingredient in all Puerto Rican dishes, again, a secret family recipe. Also to the beans add, water, ham, salsa, salt, potatoes, pumpkin, onions, and even some people add pig’s feet. Depending on the type of beans being used the ingredients might differ a little.

The thing about rice and beans is that you will always have meat, or fish, as a side dish. Or the other way around, the rice and beans will be your side dish. Include some fried chicken or roasted chicken, Bistec encebollado (steak and onions), pork chops Khan Khan, and even Lechon Asado. The list can go on and on.

Be ready to eat some rice and beans and your favorite meat and drink when you come to Puerto Rico. A word of advice, make sure when you eat this to do something afterward!