The congrí of a Cuban in Texas goes viral on TikTok

Kare, a Cuban in Dallas, is thriving on TikTok with her red bean congrí. Her channel, El Rincón de Kare, is known for traditional recipes and her connection to the Cuban community in the U.S.

Karen, a Cuban cook, is promoting her business in Texas.Photo © TikTok El rincón de Karen

A woman from Moa, Holguín, is making waves on social media with her passion for Cuban traditional cuisine. The videos where she prepares congrí are a complete temptation for lovers of this typical Cuban dish.

Kare, known on TikTok as El Rincón de Kare (@elrincondekare), has found in homemade food a way to boost a private business in the United States while keeping her culinary traditions alive in Dallas, Texas.

His distinctive Eastern accent delights a growing community of around 20,000 followers on TikTok, with whom he shares not only savory recipes but also some for desserts.

Their Cuban cakes, made with cappuccino dough and decorated with meringue, have won the hearts of their customers. However, among their most popular creations, the congrí stands out.

What does Kare's congrí have?

The "congrí" is made with red beans and the rice "moros y cristianos" is made with black beans. In Cuba, both combinations are often referred to by the same name, which is why Kare always warns: "This is a congrí with red beans".

One of the features of her recipe is that after finishing the cooking, she stirs the rice from the edges to the center of the pot and covers it with aluminum foil to transfer it to the oven for a few more minutes. This enhances the flavor of the dish and really makes the congrí fluffier.

"The Rincón de Kare": More than Cuban recipes, it is a community

Although many confuse her accent with that of a Dominican, Kare never misses an opportunity to make it clear that she is "pure Cuban," proudly from the east.

This entrepreneurial woman has turned her business into a window to showcase the richness of the island's traditional food and a way to connect emotionally with other Cubans in the United States.

In addition to her popular recipes, Kare uses her platform to share her story, inspiring other entrepreneurs to pursue their American dream.

With talent, authenticity, and dedication, she has managed to make her dishes transcend borders, while her Cuban food business continues to gain popularity in Dallas.

Frequently asked questions about the popularity of Cuban congrí on social media

What makes Kare's congrí special on TikTok?

Kare's congrí stands out for its authenticity and preparation method, using red beans and a special technique where the pot is covered with aluminum foil to bake, enhancing the flavor and better separating the rice.

How has Kare influenced the Cuban community in Dallas?

Kare has created a community in Dallas through her TikTok content, sharing traditional Cuban recipes and fostering a space for emotional connection among Cubans in the United States, inspiring others to keep their culinary traditions alive.

Why is congrí an iconic dish in Cuban culture?

Congrí is an emblematic dish in Cuban culture because it represents a blend of African and Spanish culinary influences, serving as an essential side in many Cuban meals and a symbol of the island's rich cultural heritage.

How have social media helped to popularize Cuban food?

Social media has played a crucial role in popularizing Cuban cuisine by allowing creators to share recipes and culinary traditions with a global audience, generating interest and appreciation for the diversity and richness of Cuban gastronomy.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.