Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Black beans and rice is a simple, comforting dish that brings together hearty beans and fluffy rice with vibrant flavors. It’s a staple in many cuisines and perfect for a quick, nutritious meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Pour in the black beans, vegetable broth, and ground cumin. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavor.
4. Step 4: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil following the rice package instructions. Add the rinsed rice and salt, cover, and cook until the rice is fluffy and tender.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the cooked rice into the black bean mixture, taking care not to mash the beans.
6. Step 6: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the combined dish just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, sauté a diced bell pepper with the onion and garlic.
• Use homemade black beans if you have time for a fresher taste and better texture.
• Serve with chopped fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
• Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned rice or instant rice for this recipe?

It’s best to use regular long-grain rice for texture and flavor. Instant rice can be used in a pinch but may result in a softer, less fluffy finish.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, black beans and rice store well and can be portioned for easy meals throughout the week. Just reheat thoroughly before eating.

Black Beans and Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 137 reviews

A flavorful and wholesome Black Beans and Rice recipe featuring aromatic sautéed onions and garlic, seasoned with cumin, and brightened with fresh lime juice. This dish combines tender black beans with fluffy long-grain rice for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Latin American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans & Aromatics

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin

Rice

• 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
• Water, as needed for boiling rice
• Salt, to taste

Additional

• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves to get them ready for sautéing.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Simmer Black Beans: Add the drained black beans to the skillet along with the vegetable broth and ground cumin. Stir the mixture well and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Cook Rice: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil according to the rice package instructions. Add rinsed rice and salt for seasoning. Cover the pot and cook until the rice is fluffy and tender.
5. Combine Rice and Beans: Gently fold the cooked rice into the black bean mixture, being careful not to mash the beans to maintain texture.
6. Finish with Lime Juice: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the combined dish to add brightness and enhance flavors.

Notes

• Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content.
• Rinsing rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions.
• Gently folding the rice into the beans keeps the dish fluffy and prevents it from becoming mushy.
• This dish pairs beautifully with fresh cilantro or avocado slices as garnish.

Keywords: black beans, rice, cumin, vegetarian, easy recipe, Latin American, side dish, healthy meal