Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Black beans and rice is a simple, comforting dish packed with flavor and nutrients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a wholesome lunch. This recipe balances aromatic spices with fresh lime juice for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Add the drained black beans, vegetable broth, and ground cumin to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the bean mixture simmers, cook the rice separately. Boil water according to the package instructions, add rinsed rice and a pinch of salt, then cover and cook until fluffy.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the cooked rice into the black bean mixture, being careful not to mash the beans.
6. Step 6: Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the combined dish before serving to add brightness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a diced bell pepper or chopped cilantro during the sauté step.
• Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer taste if not vegetarian.
• Use brown rice for a heartier, higher-fiber version; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried black beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you will need to soak and cook the dried beans beforehand, which will take longer. Using canned beans is quicker and just as tasty.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as it uses vegetable broth and olive oil with no animal products.

Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 135 reviews

A simple, flavorful recipe for classic Black Beans and Rice combining aromatic sautéed onions and garlic with seasoned black beans, fluffy long-grain rice, and a fresh lime finish. This dish is nutritious, easy to prepare, and perfect as a satisfying vegetarian main or side.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Latin American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Aromatics

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

Rice

• 1 cup long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
• Salt, to taste

Finishing Touch

• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure they sauté evenly and release their flavors well.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Add Black Beans and Simmer: Pour in the drained black beans, low-sodium vegetable broth, and ground cumin. Stir to blend all ingredients and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Cook the Rice: Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a separate pot following the rice package instructions. Add rinsed long-grain rice and a pinch of salt, cover the pot, and cook until the rice is tender and fluffy, usually about 15-20 minutes.
5. Combine Rice and Beans: Gently fold the cooked rice into the black bean mixture, careful not to mash the beans, integrating the textures for a balanced dish.
6. Finish with Lime Juice: Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice and beans to add brightness and a touch of acidity that enhances all the flavors.

Notes

• Rinsing canned black beans reduces sodium and any canning liquid flavor.
• Using low-sodium vegetable broth helps control overall salt content.
• Jasmine or basmati rice works best for fluffy, separate grains.
• You can add chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh herbaceous note if desired.
• This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by confirming broth choice.

Keywords: black beans, rice, vegetarian, easy recipe, cumin, healthy side dish, Latin American cuisine