What Cuban rice dish combines white rice with black beans and is named “Moors and Christians”?

Moros y cristianos is the Cuban rice dish that combines white rice with black beans and is named “Moors and Christians.”

The name refers to the medieval conflict between Muslim Moors and Christian kingdoms in Iberia: the dark beans symbolize the Moors and the white rice the Christians. In the Cuban preparation, the beans are commonly cooked with aromatics such as onion, garlic, and peppers before being combined with rice.

The dish reflects the Spanish influence on Cuban cuisine while using ingredients and techniques that became established in the Caribbean. It is commonly served as a side dish with roasted pork, fried plantains, or other Cuban foods.

Moros y cristianos is often confused with congrí. Usage varies regionally, but congrí commonly refers to rice cooked with red kidney beans, while moros y cristianos traditionally uses black beans.