This Arroz Mamposteao recipe ( “Dirty Rice” and Beans) is a delicious Puerto Rican rice dish that I have always loved.  A blend of white rice, combined with stewed beans, bacon, onions, peppers and spices creating the most flavorful rice.  Perfect side dish for pork chops, steak and chicken.

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Arroz Mamposteao

Today we are going to take a step away from Mexican dishes and other Latin dishes and specifically talk about  another delicious savory Puerto Rican dish, Arroz Mamposteao.

Translation and Origin

On our beautiful island of Puerto Rico, rice is a staple and an absolute must.  It is consumed at almost every meal without falter.

However, from all the rice dishes we have, this rice dish is by far one of my favorite of them all.

So what does this long word translate into?  Arroz mamposteao, basically translates to stewed beans and rice mixed together.

I like to refer to it as a sort of  Puerto Rican “dirty rice” dish with beans.

This iconic Puerto Rican rice dish, originated from the need and want to make a different dish with the leftover white rice and red stewed beans from the night before.

How is Arroz Mamposteao Normally Prepared

However, although it is common practice to use leftover rice and beans, this rice has become so popular that restaurants throughout the island will purposefully make white rice and stewed beans just to make arroz mamposteao for their patrons.

And sometimes I do the same when I don’t have leftover rice and red beans.  🙂  I just love the flavor.

The rice and beans are combined with Puerto Rican spices and the flavor and texture of the beans and rice are then taken to another level while still being moist and creamy.

All Puerto Rican homes and chefs have their own way of making arroz mamposteao.  But certain ingredients are universal.

Of course the rice and beans as well as garlic, onions and peppers.  But traditionally you will add pieces of either chopped ham, chorizo or bacon.  Sometimes you will even see ripe plantain pieces mixed in with the rice.

I made my rice with bacon, peppers, onions, garlic, cilantro and scallions.

Traditionally you will already have homemade Puertorican stewed beans, however if you are not in the mood to make the beans a good flavored can of already seasoned red beans will work.  WARNING:  These will not produce the same flavor in the rice but will work in a jam.  But keep in mind, nothing beats a good pot of homemade Puertorican beans.  (You can usually find premade seasoned canned red beans in the Latin section of your supermarket)  However, I will also include a recipe for “habichuelas guisadas” (stewed beans).

How to Make Arroz Mamposteao

Start with sauteing bacon cut into small pieces in a skillet.

Then add the peppers and onion and saute for a few minutes.  Add the chopped garlic, soy sauce and stir and saute all together until onions are translucent.

Have the rice and beans ready.

Add the beans to the pepper, onion, garlic, soy sauce and bacon mixture. Stir.

Add the white rice.

Stir rice and beans well until you no longer see white rice.  Cook for about 7-10 minutes.

Top with chopped scallions and cilantro.  Stir well.

Rice is ready.  Serve with more chopped scallions and cilantro.

What to Serve Arroz Mamposteao With

Rice can be accompanied with grilled steak, chicken, fried pork chops etc and avocado slices.  Enjoy!

For more delicious rice dishes, you may also like:

Puerto Rican Rice and Beans

Cilantro Lime Rice

I have included a “quick” sofrito recipe below for this arroz mamposteao recipe, however, for a  full detailed sofrito recipe you may want to check out my Puerto Rican sofrito recipe.

Puerto Rican Sofrito

And for another delicious Latin dish you may also enjoy this Cuban dish.

Ropa Vieja Crockpot Recipe