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Black Beans and Rice Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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