arroz con habichuelas
Puerto Rico, everyday
In Puerto Rico rice and beans is arroz con habichuelas, and the beans are called habichuelas. In many other countries the beans are frijoles, but Puerto Ricans use habichuelas. It is also called Arroz y habichuelas.
Meaning: staple dish of rice and beans (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| arroz con habichuelas | Puerto Rico, everyday |
| Arroz y habichuelas | Puerto Rico |
The dish is an everyday meal and often comes as a side with roasted pork or chicken. Ask for arroz con habichuelas and it will arrive as a plate of rice with a ladle of stewed beans.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mexico, Central America and Cuba say frijoles, Spain says judías or alubias, and Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic say habichuelas. The word matters when you read a menu on the island.
How does it change in a sentence?
Habichuela is feminine, so you say las habichuelas and unas habichuelas rosadas for pink beans.
Did you know?
- In Puerto Rico the pot of seasoned tomato and herb base used for beans and stews is called sofrito.
Examples in context
- Quiero arroz con habichuelas, por favor.I would like rice and beans, please.
- Mi abuela hace las mejores habichuelas.My grandmother makes the best beans.
- Hoy hay arroz y habichuelas con pollo.Today there is rice and beans with chicken.
Example conversation
Wanda orders lunch at a small restaurant in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
- CamareraBuenas tardes. ¿Qué le sirvo?Good afternoon. What can I serve you?
- WandaArroz con habichuelas y pollo guisado.Rice and beans and stewed chicken.
- CamareraEnseguida, mi amor.Right away, my dear.
