Easy Rice and Beans

Easy Rice and Beans is a wholesome one-pot meal that is both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner or a college student hoping to stretch your budget, this dish ticks all the boxes. With its mouthwatering mix of textures and flavors, it’s a perfect comfort food that nourishes and delights. Packed with nutrients and flavor, this versatile recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 295
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 375mg

Why Make This Easy Rice and Beans

Choosing to make Easy Rice and Beans means you’re opting for a dish that is nutritious, affordable, and hassle-free. This recipe is not only filling but also very flexible. You can customize it with different spices, vegetables, or proteins, depending on what you have at hand. The combination of rice and beans creates a complete protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Plus, it’s the perfect dish to make in bulk and enjoy as leftovers throughout the week.

How to Make Easy Rice and Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice
• 1 can of black beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Step 1: Heating the Oil

  In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

• Step 2: Toasting the Rice

  Stir in the rice and cumin, allowing it to cook for another minute. This toasting step enhances the rice’s nuttiness and infuses the dish with flavor.

• Step 3: Cooking the Rice

  Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

• Step 4: Adding the Beans

  Add the black beans and stir well to combine. Heat everything through for about 5 more minutes. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to your preference.

How to Serve Easy Rice and Beans

Serve your Easy Rice and Beans warm, garnished with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. This dish pairs beautifully with avocado slices, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream to balance the flavors. It’s perfect for dinner on a busy weeknight or as a filling side for barbecues or parties.

How to Store Easy Rice and Beans

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-friendly containers.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easy Rice and Beans

1. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
2. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onion and garlic.
3. Use Different Beans: Black beans are great, but you can easily swap in pinto, kidney, or even chickpeas.
4. Cook in a Pressure Cooker: For a quicker version, cook all the ingredients in a pressure cooker for about 10 minutes.

Delicious Variations

• Curry Rice and Beans: Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a unique twist.
• Mexican Style: Mix in diced tomatoes and top with avocado and tortilla chips.
• Cheesy Version: Stir in some shredded cheese right before serving for a creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
  Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-50 minutes to cook.

• Can I make this dish vegan?
  Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses vegetable broth and no animal products.

• What can I serve with Rice and Beans?
  It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, salads, or can be served as a main dish on its own.

• Can I make this recipe in advance?
  Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

Easy Rice and Beans is a delightful combination of flavors and nutrition that offers countless opportunities for customization. It’s an ideal choice for any occasion, be it a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering with family and friends. With its ease of preparation and delicious results, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful comfort of this hearty dish!

Easy Rice and Beans

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• Author: sara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A wholesome one-pot meal that is simple to prepare and satisfying, packed with nutrients and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup of rice
• 1 can of black beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Stir in the rice and cumin, allowing it to cook for another minute.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add the black beans and stir well to combine. Heat everything through for about 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.

Notes

Customize the dish with different spices, vegetables, or proteins based on what you have on hand.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 375mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg