The Cuban chef Kare, known on TikTok as El Rincón de Kare (@elrincondekare), has faced criticism on social media over a matter that stirs passions in Cuba: arroz congrí.
In her videos, recorded from Dallas, Texas, Kare demonstrates how she prepares her Oriental-style congrí rice recipe, full of flavor and finished in the oven, but what has upset some users is not the preparation, but the name of the dish.
“That's not congrí, that's moros y cristianos,” they insistently write. And the debate resurfaces: What is the true name of that typical Cuban rice?
Congrí or moros y cristianos?
In Cuba, rice and beans are not the same as congrí. Rice and beans is white rice served with beans separately, each prepared in its own pot. In contrast, "congrí" and "moros y cristianos" are dishes where the rice is cooked together with the beans and seasonings.
From a technical standpoint, Cuban chefs point out that the key difference lies in the type of bean used:
- Si se hace con frijoles colorados, se llama congrí.
- Si se hace con frijoles negros, se llama Moors and Christians.
However, the Dictionary of Americanisms acknowledges that the word congrí means "rice with black or red beans."
A dish with a story
The name "moros y cristianos" has a Spanish origin. For centuries, Arab peoples —called Moors— occupied the Iberian Peninsula. When they were expelled by the Christians, that cultural and visual blend remained, which later inspired the name of the dish: two colors, two ingredients, one history.
On the other hand, the term "congrí" originates from eastern Cuba and has African and Haitian roots. Its name blends “congó” (bean in an African language) and “riz” (rice in French). It is a very popular recipe in provinces such as Holguín, Santiago, or Granma.
Cubans, over time, have started to refer to both types of preparations as congrí. The name "moros y cristianos" is increasingly used less frequently, but it has many advocates on social media.
Kare has around 30,000 followers on TikTok and has decided to settle the debate with a few words: "I say congrí and I don't intend to change its name".
Frequently Asked Questions about Congrí Rice and Its Relevance in Cuban Culture
What is the difference between congrí and moros y cristianos?
The main difference between congrí and moros y cristianos lies in the type of bean used. Congrí is made with red beans, while moros y cristianos is made with black beans. Both dishes combine rice and beans cooked together with seasonings, but the name varies depending on the type of bean. In Cuba, although they are used interchangeably, this distinction is important for those knowledgeable about local cuisine.
Why has a debate arisen regarding the name of congrí rice?
The debate arises because, over time, Cubans have begun to use the term "congrí" to refer to both preparations, which has led to confusion. The debate intensified when Kare, a Cuban cook on TikTok, used the term congrí to describe her recipe with red beans, prompting comments from users who insisted that this designation was incorrect for the dish she was presenting.
What characterizes Kare's congrí recipe on TikTok?
Kare's congrí recipe stands out for its final cooking method in the oven. After cooking the rice and beans with the seasonings, Kare stirs the rice from the edges to the center and covers the pot with aluminum foil to place it in the oven for a few minutes. This process enhances the flavor and separates the congrí better, which has won over its followers on social media.
What is the origin of the name "moros y cristianos"?
The name "moros y cristianos" has a Spanish origin. It refers to the long coexistence and subsequent expulsion of the Arabs, known as Moors, from the Iberian Peninsula by the Christians. This cultural and visual blend of two colors and ingredients symbolizes the shared history that inspired the name of the dish which combines rice and black beans.
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