moros y cristianos
/moɾos i kɾistjanos/from spelling rules
The phrase for "rice and black beans" in Spanish is moros y cristianos.
This phrase refers to a traditional dish consisting of rice and black beans that are cooked together.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to Moors and Christians, which refers to the historical conflict between the Muslim Moors and the Christian kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula.
Is it said differently in some regions?
This specific idiomatic name for the dish is most commonly used in Caribbean Spanish-speaking countries, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
How do you pronounce it?
/moɾos i kɾistjanos/
When do people say it?
The name is a culinary metaphor where the black beans represent the Moors and the white rice represents the Christians.
Did you know?
- In the Dominican Republic, moros y cristianos is often referred to as la bandera, or 'the flag', because the rice and beans are considered national symbols.
- The term moros y cristianos is used beyond the kitchen to describe any two opposing groups or factions in a conflict or competition.
- While the colors represent the Moors and Christians, in some regions the dish is served with concón, the crunchy, toasted layer of rice from the bottom of the pot which is considered a delicacy.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría pedir un plato de arroz y frijoles negros, por favor?Could I order a plate of rice and black beans, please?
- ¿Cómo ves si hacemos arroz con frijoles negros?How about if we make rice with black beans?
- Me gusta mucho el plato de moros y cristianos.I really like the moros y cristianos dish.
- ¿Preparaste moros y cristianos para la cena?Did you prepare moros y cristianos for dinner?
- Quiero comer moros y cristianos hoy.I want to eat moros y cristianos today.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- María¿Qué quieres cenar hoy, Alejandro?What do you want for dinner today, Alejandro?
- AlejandroTengo ganas de comer moros y cristianos.I feel like eating rice and black beans.
- María¡Perfecto! Yo puedo cocinarlos.Perfect! I can cook them.
- AlejandroMuchas gracias, María.Thank you very much, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
