"Dominican cooking? It's more than just rice and beans you know"... that statement could be this site's motto, and probably would be if it were a little more snappy.

Most visitors to the country could not be blamed for thinking on first sight that Dominican food is just rice and beans. It is the 'plato del dia' (dish of the day) in every typical comedor, and the daily lunch on most traditional family tables.

"Don't they get tired of eating the same thing every single day?" says the visitor. Where are you from, Sir or Madam? Italy? What do you eat every day? Pasta? "Va bene... si". England? Chips with everything isn't it? Or do you sometimes break from routine with mashed potatoes and even allow yourself the indulgence of roast potatoes on high days and holidays? "Can't argue with that one, mate". I could go on like this for a while, but before you jump in and remind me that this argument is a bit petty, and not really that convincing, let me give my real reply to the charge of gastronomic monotony.

The 'Dominican Flag', the central plate on the Dominican lunch menu has its variations. Rice and beans is not just rice and beans. It can be rice and beans prepared together or separately. When they are mixed together they are known as 'moro'. I can think of at least four types of 'moro': red bean moro, black bean moro, pigeon pea moro and any of these with coconut. So far we have six variations. Add four more to the list: stewed red beans, stewed black beans, and stewed pigeon peas (guandules), the latter with or without coconut. Then the Bandera's other important item, the stewed meat, can comprise of goat, beef, pork, chicken or fish (usually cod). Allora! Our beloved 'Bandera Dominicana' has at least fifteen permutations, old bean.

Not every single Dominican kitchen will produce a 'Bandera Dominicana' type meal every day. There are plenty more choices available, including Dominican style chow fan and pasta, and vegetable based bakes which can be made with or without meat. Just look in the list of recipes on the site to see what I am driving at. Dominican Cooking - far more than rice and beans!

What I do find strange still, although I am used to it, is the fact that in some restaurants, if you order a rice as a side dish, to accompany your fish for example, you are presented with a little bowl of bean stew without having asked for one. Is this because it is unthinkable, treasonous or sacrilegious to serve rice without beans?


By Aunt Ilana

I could eat rice and beans everyday, I love them. Arroz con Coco is by far my favorite, and I could even eat it by itself; and just to let you all know that the right way to eat rice w/coconut, is with your fingers!!!! Just place your hand with fingers together but hand opened, over rice then have your thumb meet the rest of the fingers and scoop up the rice, it's amazing. The fork gives it a little metal taste that takes away from the coconut.Enjoy.
I think I know what's for Sunday dinner tomorrow.