black bean with rice recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best black bean with rice recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite black bean with rice recipe, a dish that’s been a staple in our household for years. This recipe originated from Latin America, where black beans are a staple ingredient.

The combination of the creamy black beans, fluffy rice, and savory spices is a match made in heaven. The flavors are rich and bold, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

I love serving it at family gatherings, as it’s easy to scale up and feeds a crowd. My kids adore it, and I’m sure your family will too!

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Simply cook the rice and black beans together with some onion, garlic, and spices, and you’re good to go.

The key home cooking technique is to let the flavors meld together – the longer you cook it, the better it tastes. I like to make a big batch on the weekend and reheat it throughout the week for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

It’s also an excellent option for meal prep, as you can portion it out into individual servings and refrigerate or freeze for later.

Black Bean and Rice

4.5 from 511 votes

A classic dish featuring fluffy rice and seasoned black beans, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized with various toppings.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

2 cups long grain white rice
4 cups water
1 tsp salt

For the Black Beans

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 lime, cut into wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2This step helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
3Add the rice, water, and salt to a medium saucepan.
4Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
5Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes.
6The rice is done when all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
7Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
8Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
9While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
10Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes.
11Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
12Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
13Cook the spices for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to toast them and release their flavors.
14Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet.
15Stir to combine with the onion and spice mixture.
16Cook the beans for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly darker in color.
17Season with salt and pepper to taste.
18If the beans start to stick to the pan, add a small amount of water to help loosen them.
19To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto plates and top with the black bean mixture.
20Add your desired toppings, such as diced avocado, chopped cilantro, chopped red onion, or a squeeze of lime juice.
21Serve immediately and enjoy your black bean and rice dish.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Large skillet
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 60g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the black bean mixture. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but note that the cooking time will increase to about 45 minutes.

Watch Video Of How Black Bean and Rice Works

This black bean with rice recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick and easy meal solution for yourself. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite protein or spices.

For storage ideas, I recommend refrigerating leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freezing them for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply add some water or broth to revive the flavors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Black Bean and Rice

1. What type of rice is best for this recipe?

White or brown rice can be used in this recipe, but I prefer to use long-grain white rice for its fluffy texture and neutral flavor.

2. Can I use canned black beans?

Yes, you can use canned black beans as a substitute for cooked dried black beans. Just drain and rinse them before using.

3. How do I store leftover black bean with rice?

Leftover black bean with rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

4. Can I add protein to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, beef, or pork to make this recipe more substantial.

5. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted to suit vegan diets by substituting animal-based broth with vegetable broth.

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