rice and beans recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
rice and beans recipe
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The Best rice and beans recipe

I’m so excited to share this simple and delicious rice and beans recipe with you. This dish is a staple in many Latin American countries, where it’s often served as a main course or used as a side dish.

I’ve been making it for years, and my family loves it. The combination of the creamy rice and the tender beans is just perfect.

Plus, it’s so easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. I like to add some diced vegetables like carrots and peas to give it a pop of color and extra nutrition.

The best part is that this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. My kids love helping me in the kitchen with this recipe, and they always ask for seconds (or thirds!)

The health benefits of this dish are numerous – rice and beans are a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. Plus, the slow cooking process makes the beans tender and easy to digest.

I could go on and on about how much I love this recipe, but I think it’s time to get started with the instructions!

Classic Rice and Beans

Classic Rice and Beans

4.8 from 934 votes

A comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender beans with fluffy rice. Perfect for a hearty meal.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups water
1 tsp salt

For the Beans

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
2This step removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
3Drain well and set aside.
4In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt.
5Bring to a boil over high heat.
6Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.
7Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.
8After 15-20 minutes, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
9Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
10While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
11Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
12Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
13The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden.
14Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
15Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the flavors to meld.
16The mixture should be fragrant and slightly thickened.
17Add the drained and rinsed black beans, and stir well to combine.
18Season with salt and pepper to taste.
19Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the flavors are well combined.
20The beans should be tender and the sauce should be slightly thickened.
21Once the rice and beans are both cooked, combine them in a large serving dish.
22Stir gently to mix, ensuring that the rice and beans are well incorporated.
23Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
24Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan with lid
Large skillet
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.

Watch Video Of How Classic Rice and Beans Works

This rice and beans recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick and easy meal for yourself. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course or use it as a side dish.

And don’t even get me started on how well it reheats! Simply reheat any leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Rice and Beans

Q: What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a medium-grain rice that holds its shape well. Jasmine or basmati rice work great.

Q: Can I use canned beans instead of cooking them from scratch?

While you can use canned beans as a substitute, I highly recommend cooking them from scratch for the best flavor and texture.

Q: How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, make sure to cook it separately from the beans. You can also add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan before adding the rice to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I add other ingredients like meat or spices to this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely add other ingredients like cooked meat, diced tomatoes, or your favorite spices to give this recipe your own twist.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare – you can have it ready in about 30 minutes if you cook the rice and beans simultaneously.

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