Hola Habanero Fiesta

This Hola Habanero Fiesta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the bold heat of habanero peppers with the comforting warmth of black beans and brown rice. The addition of corn, green chiles, tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this fiesta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The origins of this Hola Habanero Fiesta can be traced back to the vibrant streets of Mexico City, where street vendors have been serving up similar concoctions for generations. These vendors would often use whatever ingredients they had on hand, which typically included a variety of beans, rice, vegetables, and spices. The result was a hearty and flavorful dish that was both filling and affordable. Over time, this dish has evolved and spread throughout the world, and is now a beloved favorite in many cultures.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 240 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and picked over
• 1 cup brown rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chiles, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Stir and serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado.

Why It Works

• The combination of black beans and brown rice provides a hearty and filling base for this dish.
• The habanero peppers add a bold heat that is balanced out by the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.
• The green chiles add a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• The onion and bell pepper add a bit of crunch and freshness.
• The slow-cooker method allows the flavors to meld together and develop over time.