Hearty Black Beans & Rice Recipe
Overview:
This recipe for Hearty Black Beans & Rice is a cherished gem from my college days, lovingly adapted from a dear friend. It’s a quick-fix meal that won’t break the bank, utilizing simple and affordable ingredients that are likely already stocked in your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two, especially when paired with a crisp green salad. Leftovers? No problem! Simply mix the beans and rice together before refrigerating for a convenient and delicious meal prep option.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serving Size: 2 servings
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 can | Black beans |
| 1 | Onion |
| 3 cloves | Garlic |
| 1 | Tomato |
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 2 tsp | Mild chili powder |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground cumin |
| 1/2 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 1/2 tsp | Cinnamon |
| 1/2 tsp | Black pepper |
| 1 cup | White rice |
| 2 cups | Water |
| 1 tbsp | Butter |
| 1 tbsp | Vinegar |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Rice:
- Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- If desired, add a tablespoon of butter or oil for added richness.
- Once boiling, add the white rice to the pot. Stir for the first minute to prevent sticking.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing the rice to simmer gently.
- Rice should cook for approximately 20 minutes, maintaining a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. These simple steps ensure perfectly cooked white rice every time.
-
-
Prepare Black Bean Mixture:
- While the rice is cooking, heat a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add olive oil to the heated pan and swirl to coat the surface, preventing sticking.
- Add finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté until aromatic and translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the onions, being careful not to let it brown.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the entire can of black beans to the pan.
- Stir in mild chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, and vinegar for flavor.
- Chop the tomato and add it to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Allow the bean mixture to simmer, covered, while the rice finishes cooking.
-
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, remove it from the heat and fluff with a fork.
- To serve, spoon the flavorful black bean mixture over the cooked rice.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime, if desired.
- Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal hot, with a side of your favorite salad greens for a balanced dinner.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 533.8
- Fat: 11.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 434.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 101.5g
- Fiber: 14.1g
- Sugar: 8.3g
- Protein: 11.4g
Recipe Notes:
- This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the spice levels or add additional vegetables for extra nutrition.
- For a vegan-friendly option, omit the butter and use a plant-based alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and convenient meal.
- Experiment with different varieties of rice, such as brown or basmati, for added texture and flavor.
