If you’re looking to dive into a comforting dish that wraps together tradition, flavor, and heartiness, then you’re going to love this El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe. Casamiento, which means marriage in Spanish, beautifully combines rice and beans into a harmonious union celebrated across El Salvador’s tables. The trick to this wrap is not just the mix of perfectly cooked beans and rice, but how it’s all wrapped up with fresh toppings and a warm tortilla, making every bite a delicious journey to Central America.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each adding a unique touch. From the earthy beans to the fragrant brown jasmine rice and fresh vegetables, every component plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and color.
- 16 cups filtered water: Essential for cooking the beans to creamy perfection without overpowering their natural flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Adjust to your taste for seasoning the beans just right.
- 1 pound bag of dried small red beans: The star protein and fiber source in this dish, offering that authentic Casamiento foundation.
- 4 large cloves of garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the beans.
- 1-1/2 small brown or yellow onions: Used both for simmering with beans and caramelizing—multipurpose for flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle richness.
- ½ cup chopped carrots: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the rice mix.
- ½ cup chopped celery: Adds freshness and a mild crunch that enhances the texture.
- ½ cup chopped brown or yellow onion: Integral for sautéing the vegetables that blend into the rice.
- 1½ cups brown jasmine rice: A fragrant and slightly nutty rice that partners perfectly with beans.
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth (or water or vegetable broth): Imparts depth of flavor to the rice while keeping it moist.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: For seasoning the rice; omit if using salty broth.
- 1 tortilla per wrap: The handheld vessel for your delicious Casamiento filling.
- Warm toppings (corn, cheese, chicken, sautéed vegetables): Adds extra heartiness and personalization.
- Cold toppings (avocado slices, cilantro, lettuce, salsa, lime): Freshness and brightness to balance the warmth.
How to Make El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Start by carefully sorting your beans to remove any bad bits or small stones—this step ensures a clean and smooth texture. Rinse the beans well to wash away any dirt. In a large pot, combine the water, salt, beans, garlic cloves, and one quartered onion. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, uncovered. Then lower the heat to medium-low and let the beans simmer, stirring occasionally and checking that there is enough water to keep them moist. You want the beans tender but not mushy, which typically takes between one to two hours depending on the batch.
Step 2: Caramelize Onions and Blend Beans
While the beans are cooking, gently sauté half a chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat until it turns a beautiful light brown and caramelized, which adds a subtle sweetness to your dish. Once the beans are tender with about a cup of liquid left, blend the beans along with that flavorful liquid and the caramelized onions until creamy, using an immersion or regular blender.
Step 3: Fry the Refried Beans
Return the puréed beans to the sauté pan, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and cook on medium heat while stirring frequently. As the beans thicken and bubble, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for about 20 minutes until you reach the perfect mashed potato-like consistency that isn’t too dry or watery. This step brings out the traditional texture and rich taste of El Salvadoran beans.
Step 4: Cook the Rice with Vegetable Purée
Next, sauté the chopped carrots, celery, and remaining chopped onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until tender. Add a small splash of broth and purée these vegetables to form a smooth base for the rice. Return the purée to the pot, add the jasmine rice, rest of the broth, and salt. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is just firm and fully cooked—usually about 40 minutes. This vegetable-infused rice adds color, flavor, and nutrition to your wrap.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Beans for the Wrap Filling
In a bowl, mix equal parts of your smooth refried red beans and fragrant vegetable brown rice. This perfect combination is the essence of Casamiento. Warm a tortilla on a microwave-safe plate, then spoon the rice and bean mixture onto it. Add any warm toppings like corn, cheese, or chicken, and microwave for about a minute until everything is cozy and heated through.
Step 6: Add Fresh Cold Toppings and Wrap It Up
Top the warm filling with fresh avocado slices, crisp lettuce, salsa, cilantro, and a bright squeeze of lime. Fold the tortilla carefully around the fillings and enjoy your warm, flavorful El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe that celebrates both simplicity and heartwarming taste.
How to Serve El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your wrap experience by adding fresh, vibrant garnishes. Slices of creamy avocado complement the warm beans and rice beautifully while a handful of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of tangy lime juice brighten up every bite with fresh herbal notes.
Side Dishes
Serve your wrap with traditional sides like curtido, a lightly fermented cabbage slaw that adds crunch and acidity, or a side of crispy plantains for a sweet contrast. Fresh tomato salsa or pickled vegetables also work wonders to give your meal exciting layers of flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try wrapping the Casamiento filling in lettuce leaves for a lighter option, or stuff it into pita or flatbread for a fusion twist. You can also turn it into a hearty bowl topped with dollops of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh herbs, perfect for sharing or meal prepping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe is made, store any extra rice and beans mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Tortillas and toppings should be kept separately to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the rice and beans mixture in freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the rice and beans mixture in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. Warm your tortillas separately to keep them soft. Add fresh toppings just before eating to keep everything vibrant and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Absolutely! While dried beans give you the best texture and control over the cooking process, canned beans can save you time. Just drain and rinse them well, then proceed with blending and frying as described.
Is brown jasmine rice necessary for this recipe?
You can use other rice varieties, but brown jasmine rice offers a fragrant aroma and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the beans and vegetables in this recipe. If using white rice, adjust cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have chicken broth for cooking the rice?
No worries! Vegetable broth or even water can be used. Broth adds more flavor, but the sautéed vegetable purée also builds lots of taste, so your rice will still be delicious.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth and skip any meat-based toppings or cheese. The beans and rice provide plenty of protein and richness, making it a hearty vegan choice.
How spicy is this recipe?
The basic El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat with spicy salsa, jalapeños, or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe is one of those dishes that wraps up comfort, culture, and freshness all in one warm embrace. It’s perfect for days when you want something filling but not complicated, and it invites endless creativity with toppings and sides. Trust me, once you try this, it becomes a beloved staple that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and share this delicious piece of El Salvadoran tradition with your friends and family!
Print
El Salvadoran Casamiento (Rice and Beans) Wrap Recipe
Casamiento is a traditional El Salvadoran rice and beans dish combining tender red beans puréed to a creamy consistency with flavorful brown jasmine rice cooked with sautéed vegetables. This hearty and comforting meal is served as a wrap with warm and cold toppings, making it a delicious, balanced, and customizable option for any mealtime.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Beans
- 16 cups filtered water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or adjust to your preference)
- 1 pound bag of dried small red beans
- 4 large cloves garlic, peeled and halved (use 6 if cloves are small)
- 1–1/2 small brown or yellow onions (1 onion quartered, ½ onion chopped)
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the Rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped carrots (about 4 small carrots)
- ½ cup chopped celery (about 4 celery ribs)
- ½ cup chopped brown or yellow onion (about ¼ to ½ of an onion)
- 1½ cups brown jasmine rice
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth (or water or vegetable broth)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (omit if broth is salty)
For Serving
- 1 tortilla per wrap
- Warm toppings (such as corn, cheese, chicken, sautéed vegetables)
- Cold toppings (such as avocado slices, cilantro, lettuce, salsa, squeeze of lime)
Instructions
- Sort and Prepare Beans: Sort the beans to remove any small rocks or damaged beans, then rinse thoroughly to remove mud and impurities.
- Cook Beans: In a large pot on the stove, combine water, salt, beans, garlic cloves, and one quartered onion. Bring to a boil over high heat uncovered, then reduce heat to medium low and simmer. Stir occasionally and keep uncovered for most cooking time. Add hot water if needed to keep beans submerged. Cook until beans are tender, typically 1 to 2 hours.
- Caramelize Onion: In a sauté pan over medium low heat, sauté half of the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until lightly browned and caramelized.
- Purée Beans: Once beans are tender, purée them in the pot using an immersion blender along with the cooking liquid (about 1 cup) and the caramelized onions.
- Refry Puréed Beans: Add 1 teaspoon olive oil to the sauté pan and return the puréed beans. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. When the beans begin to bubble and swell, reduce heat to medium low and continue stirring for about 20 minutes until the consistency resembles mashed potatoes—not too watery or dry.
- Prepare Rice Vegetables: In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion, sauté on medium low until tender.
- Purée Vegetables: Add a small amount of chicken broth to the sautéed vegetables and purée with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
- Cook Rice: Return the pureed vegetables to the pot, add rice, remaining broth, and salt. Stir well and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes or until rice is tender but slightly firm. Avoid overcooking.
- Assemble Casamiento Wraps: In a bowl, mix refried red beans and vegetable brown rice in a 50-50 ratio. Place a tortilla on a microwave-safe plate, add the rice and beans mixture, then layer warm toppings like corn, cheese, or chicken. Microwave for about 1 minute until warm.
- Add Cold Toppings and Serve: Top with cold ingredients such as sliced avocado, cilantro, lettuce, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. Fold the tortilla into a wrap and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Cooking time for beans can vary greatly depending on freshness and type; monitor closely for tenderness.
- Add hot water during bean cooking to ensure beans stay submerged and cook evenly.
- Use low sodium broth to control saltiness in the rice preparation.
- If you do not have an immersion blender, a regular blender can be used for puréeing beans and vegetables.
- Be sure not to overcook the rice to maintain texture and avoid mushiness.
- Customize wraps with your choice of warm and cold toppings for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: El Salvadoran
- Diet: Vegetarian
