simple rice and beans recipe is your ticket to a cozy kitchen celebration. Imagine fluffy jasmine rice embracing plump black beans seasoned with garlic, cumin, and bright paprika. Each spoonful dances with warm veggie stock, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a hint of smoked paprika that turns every bite into a comforting hug. Stir in fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime for a zesty finish that sparkles on your taste buds. Whether you’re curled up with a book or sharing laughs at the table, this playful, heartwarming dish proves that simple ingredients can create pure magic.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This simple rice and beans recipe
- It’s a budget-friendly meal that won’t break the bank.
- Packed with protein and fiber for a satisfying dish.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable with your favorite spices and veggies.
- Deliciously comforting, making it a family favorite!
simple rice and beans recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Heat the Oil – Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Cook the Onion – Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices – Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Toast the Rice – Add rice and bay leaf; toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Step 5: Add Broth – Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 6: Simmer the Rice – Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Step 7: Add Beans – Stir in black beans, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
- Step 8: Final Touches – Remove bay leaf, fluff rice with a fork, and garnish with cilantro.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy! – Serve hot and enjoy your spectacular simple rice and beans!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbs | 45g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a delicious and simple rice and beans recipe.
- 1 cup – white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) – black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small – onion, diced
- 2 cloves – garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – olive oil
- 1 tsp – ground cumin
- ½ tsp – smoked paprika
- 1 – bay leaf
- 2 cups – vegetable broth
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – Chopped cilantro for garnish
How to Make Simple Rice and Beans Recipe
This simple rice and beans recipe is a delightful comfort meal that comes together quickly. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty dish ready in no time. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch!
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook the Onion
Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in minced garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Add rice and bay leaf; toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 5: Add Broth
Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Step 6: Simmer the Rice
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
Step 7: Add Beans
Stir in black beans, season with salt and pepper, and heat through.
Step 8: Final Touches
Remove bay leaf, fluff rice with a fork, and garnish with cilantro.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy your spectacular simple rice and beans!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and garnished with cilantro! |
Pro Tips for Making simple rice and beans recipe
- Rinse the rice before cooking for fluffier grains.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
- Add a pinch of cumin for a warm, earthy taste.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to enhance the flavors.
- Top with fresh cilantro or avocado for a refreshing touch.
How to Serve this simple rice and beans recipe
- Top with fresh avocado slices for creaminess.
- Serve with a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
- Add a dollop of salsa or pico de gallo for a zesty kick.
- Pair with warm tortillas for a delightful wrap.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness.
- Enjoy with a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Mix in some corn for added sweetness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can easily prepare and store your simple rice and beans recipe:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Alternatively, use a microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is it healthy to eat rice and beans together?
Yes, rice and beans together create a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs. They are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a balanced meal.
2. What are the three ingredients in beans and rice?
The three basic ingredients in a simple rice and beans recipe are rice, beans (such as black beans or kidney beans), and water. You can also add seasonings like salt and pepper for extra flavor.
3. How to add flavour to beans and rice?
To enhance the flavor of your rice and beans, consider adding spices like cumin, garlic powder, or onion powder. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also brighten the dish, and a splash of lime juice adds a refreshing zing.
4. What is it called when you mix rice and beans together?
When you mix rice and beans together, it is often referred to as a “rice and beans” dish. In some cultures, it may have specific names, such as “arroz con frijoles” in Spanish-speaking countries, highlighting its significance as a staple food in many cuisines.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! This simple rice and beans recipe is not just easy to make, but it’s also a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for any day, it brings back memories of cozy family dinners. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying something so simple can be!