How often do we take the time to try something new?

My name is Tchyne Mukadi and I am very happy to bring my kitchen to your table.   I have been asked several times for the ingredients of my famous Rice & beans dish or legumes etc… Well, here’s your chance to find out the secret behind Tchyne’s kitchen. 

Today we will be making rice & beans with sauce and tasso.  Are you ready?  Let’s go!

Rice and Beans

1 (8 ounce) package dry kidney beans

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 bulb shallot, minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon Adobo seasoning (optional)

1 tablespoon kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

3 sprigs fresh parsley

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 scotch bonnet chile pepper

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 tablespoon Lilli butter (Haitian butter)

1--Place beans in a large pot, and cover with 3 inches of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 1/2 hours, or until tender. Drain, reserving liquid.

2--Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute shallot and garlic until fragrant. Stir in cooked beans, and cook for 2 minutes. Measure reserved liquid, and add water to equal 5 cups; stir into skillet. Stir in the uncooked rice. Season with bay leaves, Adobo seasoning, salt, pepper, Lily butter curry and cloves. Place sprigs of parsley and thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper on top, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove thyme, parsley, and scotch bonnet pepper to serve.

For the Sauce

 1 can whole tomatoes and juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 onion chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups water

1 can tomato paste

Combine tomatoes, salt, oil and pepper.
Cover with a tight fitting lid. Add tomato paste and onions then, cook 5 minutes then add water and cook for another 10 minutes then, reduce heat to low.

For the Tasso

2 Lbs  -Beef or Goat cut into small chunks 

1/2 Cup   -Orange Juice 

1/4 Cup  -Lime or Lemon Juice

1/2 Cup  -Vegetable Oil 

Salt, Pepper to taste

1 Tsp -Parsley

Add all ingredients in a large bowl, except for the Vegetable Oil.
Let it marinate for at least 3-4 hours.
Transfer meat mixture into a cooking pot.

Add water to cover.
Heat to boiling and reduce heat.
Simmer covered until meat is very tender.
Fry meat in a large frying pan, until golden brown.