This simple pot has passed through three generations of women in my family. A symbol of our Puerto Rican heritage, my grandmother first used this pot to make the beans for her arroz con habicuelas (rice and red beans). My grandmother, grandfather, mother, and aunt all migrated to New York City from Guayanilla, Puerto Rico in 1960. They ultimately settled in Corona, Queens where my abuela probably purchased this pot. Every Sunday after church, the entire family got together, and my abuela used this pot to make habichuelas, always with a side of white rice, and often accompanied by a roast beef or pernil (roast pork). After she passed away, my mother was adamant that she got to keep the pot, which fondly reminded her of her mother and Puerto Rico. Using the same pot and recipe, my mom continued the tradition of making arroz con habichuelas—one of my favorite meals growing up! After moving into my own home, my mom gifted the pot, along with the recipe, to me. Although I have vague memories of my abuela, I feel connected to her and my Puerto Rican heritage every time I use this pot— permanently stained at the bottom from the sazón—to recreate her habichuelas and my favorite dish. 

– Lauren

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant