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Casamiento, a humble yet beloved dish from El Salvador, embodies the essence of comfort food. Translating to “marriage” in Spanish, the dish symbolizes the perfect union of its main ingredients: rice and beans.
Simple in concept but rich in flavour and cultural significance, Casamiento is a staple in Salvadoran households, often served as a hearty breakfast or a filling side dish at lunch and dinner. It’s a dish that celebrates both resourcefulness and tradition, offering nourishment with a taste of home.
Want to dive deeper into Salvadoran Cuisine? Don’t miss our post on 26 Traditional Salvadoran Foods to Try
What Is Casamiento?
Casamiento is a flavourful blend of cooked rice and beans, typically black or red, which are sautéed together to create a harmonious, slightly sticky combination. It’s seasoned with aromatics like onion, garlic, and sometimes a hint of fresh cilantro, making it both fragrant and satisfying.
While it’s a simple dish, its versatility is unmatched. It pairs seamlessly with fried eggs, creamy cheese, plantains, or even a dollop of sour cream, turning a basic meal into a feast. In El Salvador, Casamiento isn’t just food, it’s a cultural cornerstone that brings families together at the table.
Ingredients and Taste
The core ingredients of Casamiento are rice, beans, and a few key seasonings. The beans, often prepared with their rich cooking liquid, lend the dish a creamy texture and earthy flavour.
When combined with fluffy rice, the result is a dish that’s hearty yet light enough to enjoy at any time of day. Onions and garlic provide a savoury depth, while optional additions like bell peppers or cilantro add a fresh, aromatic touch.
The taste of Casamiento is warm and comforting, with the natural flavours of the rice and beans enhanced by the simple yet effective seasoning.
It’s mildly spiced but can easily be adjusted with the addition of hot sauce or salsa for those who crave a bit of heat. The dish strikes a delicate balance between subtlety and boldness, making it universally appealing.
A Taste of History
Casamiento has its roots in the culinary traditions of Central America, where rice and beans have long been dietary staples. The dish’s name, meaning “marriage,” reflects the seamless blending of these two essential ingredients, a pairing that has nourished generations.
While versions of rice and beans exist throughout the region, the Salvadoran take is distinctive, reflecting local flavours and cooking methods. Historically, the dish evolved as a practical way to make the most of available ingredients.
Families would repurpose leftover rice and beans from previous meals, transforming them into a new dish that was as economical as it was delicious. Over time, Casamiento became a symbol of simplicity and resilience, a reminder of the resourcefulness embedded in Salvadoran culture.
How to Make Casamiento (Rice and Beans)
Casamiento, a cherished Salvadoran staple, unites rice and beans in a humble yet deeply satisfying dish. Its name, meaning “marriage”, perfectly captures the harmony of flavours as the beans infuse the rice with earthy depth. Expect a comforting, aromatic result with each grain carrying the essence of Salvadoran home cooking. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1½ cups cooked red or black beans (with some cooking liquid)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the grains stay separate when cooked. Drain well before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Cook the rice
In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the bean mixture
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 4: Add garlic and seasoning
Add the minced garlic and ground cumin to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step releases the flavours of the spices, forming the aromatic base of the dish.
Step 5: Incorporate the beans
Stir in the cooked beans along with about ¼ cup of their liquid. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld. If using canned beans, rinse them first and add a splash of water instead of liquid.
Step 6: Combine rice and beans
Add the cooked rice to the skillet, folding it gently into the bean mixture with a wooden spoon. Mix just enough to coat every grain, keeping the rice fluffy and avoiding a mushy texture.
Step 7: Adjust seasoning
Taste and add salt if needed. You may also include a pinch of black pepper or a few drops of lime juice to enhance the flavour balance. Stir lightly until everything is well combined.
Step 8: Heat through
Continue cooking on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the rice to absorb the bean flavour while maintaining its light texture.
Step 9: Rest before serving
Remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes to let the steam redistribute. This resting period helps the dish settle and improves the final texture.
Step 10: Serve and garnish
Spoon the Casamiento onto plates and garnish with fresh coriander if desired. It pairs beautifully with scrambled eggs, fried plantains, or Salvadoran cream. Serve warm and enjoy the simplicity of this traditional comfort food.
Variations and Substitutions
- Beans: Substitute red beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
- Oil: Use lard for a traditional taste or olive oil for a lighter version.
- Rice: Leftover rice works perfectly; just reduce cooking time when reheating.
- Flavour boost: Add a chopped tomato or a pinch of paprika for colour and depth.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Casamiento
- Always rinse the rice before cooking to avoid stickiness.
- Do not over-stir the mixture once the rice is added; gentle folding keeps it fluffy.
- Use bean cooking liquid for authenticity and a richer flavour.
- If using day-old rice, sprinkle with a bit of water before reheating to soften.
- For extra aroma, sauté a bay leaf with the onion and remove before serving.
Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans)
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Bowl (for holding rice or beans)
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1½ cups cooked red or black beans with some cooking liquid
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
- 1 small white onion finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps the grains stay separate when cooked. Drain well before moving to the next step.
- In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then stir in the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add the minced garlic and ground cumin to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step releases the flavours of the spices, forming the aromatic base of the dish.
- Stir in the cooked beans along with about ¼ cup of their liquid. Simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld. If using canned beans, rinse them first and add a splash of water instead of liquid.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, folding it gently into the bean mixture with a wooden spoon. Mix just enough to coat every grain, keeping the rice fluffy and avoiding a mushy texture.
- Taste and add salt if needed. You may also include a pinch of black pepper or a few drops of lime juice to enhance the flavour balance. Stir lightly until everything is well combined.
- Continue cooking on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the rice to absorb the bean flavour while maintaining its light texture.
- Remove from heat and cover for 5 minutes to let the steam redistribute. This resting period helps the dish settle and improves the final texture.
- Spoon the Casamiento onto plates and garnish with fresh coriander if desired. It pairs beautifully with scrambled eggs, fried plantains, or Salvadoran cream. Serve warm and enjoy the simplicity of this traditional comfort food.
