Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe

This easy black beans and rice recipe goes great with just about any meat, or you can stir in diced chicken or sausage to make a one-dish meal. It is versatile, inexpensive, and very tasty.

This black and beans rice recipe is so good, y’all. It’s one of my family’s favorite dishes, and it’s so versatile! Serve it as a side with any meat of your choice, stir in some chicken or sausage, use it to fill burritos, or just eat it on its own. So many possibilities!

What You Need To Know about this Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Rice is a non-allergenic and gluten-free food. It is a member of the grass family, which is consumed by nearly half of the world’s population. It is the staple diet for many regions of the world, including South America and Asia. Many people think that rice’s origins can be traced back to 3000 BC in India, where locals found the plant growing wild. Interesting, right? Keep reading and enjoy this easy black beans and rice recipe.

All beans are naturally low in fat and a great source of protein, magnesium, dietary fiber, complex carbs, iron, and antioxidants. High fiber foods are a smart choice for diabetics and other low-fat diets since they can help naturally decrease cholesterol and prevent blood sugar levels. Constant bean consumption can protect against cancer, heart problems, and aging.

Influenced By Many Cultures

Bean and rice and rice belong to many cultures around the world and these staple foods combine to make a great dish. The mix of plant foods offers a number of crucial elements as well as a substantial amount of calories, and both ingredients are commonly available. While the rice can be either plain or seasoned, the black beans are typically seasoned. The two ingredients can be served individually on the platter, or combined together. The beans add a lovely, rich flavor to the rice and are a fantastic source of protein.

Rice with black beans is such a traditional pairing. There are many different methods to make them, but this one is simple, quick to prepare, and delicious. Beans and rice are a staple food in many countries, and there are countless variations of this straightforward but satisfying dish. Different versions of this well-known dish can be found in nations including Brazil, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Korea, the United States, and the Caribbean.

Reason Why We Need To Eat This Food

This food is quite healthy! Beans are rich in protein and iron and the rice serves as a satisfying carbohydrate (beans are definitely the most nutritious of the pair). They are also a complete protein when served together, which is necessary for our bodies to remain healthy. Legumes are a simple, wholesome addition to any meal. They are incredibly versatile and inexpensive. The outcome is a delicious and flavorful dish that is ideal for those times when you need to prepare a supper quickly.

How to Make Black Beans and Rice?

Since I can eat way more than my fair share of black beans and rice, I like to double the recipe so we have leftovers for lunches. It works well in lunchboxes, or to make a quick vegetarian burrito bowl with the addition of some lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and cheese.

I found inspiration for this recipe on AllRecipes years ago, and I think it may be the first time I have ever cooked with cumin. I was instantly sold! If you haven’t yet cooked with cumin, just trust me that it makes the dish. It’s definitely worth buying a jar if you don’t already have some. I always include it in my Mexican recipes because I love its distinctive flavor, and it’s all thanks to these black beans and rice for introducing me to the wonderful flavor of cumin.

I hope you will love this recipe as much as we do!

Variations and Substitutions for this easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe

This is a quick and basic recipe for beans and rice, and you may modify it by adding a number of different ingredients.

Vegetables: A few examples of veggies to try including are chopped fresh tomato or canned diced tomatoes, red or green bell peppers, green chilies, zucchini, frozen or fresh chopped spinach and corn. I recommend adding the tomato, peppers and zucchini with the onions and adding corn and spinach at the end with the beans.

Beans: Black beans can be replaced with pinto beans, red beans, white beans and even garbanzo beans. You can use whichever beans you like. If your beans are not seasoned I recommend adding a 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.

Cheese: Consider adding a sprinkling of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Cotija cheese.

Spices: To the mixture, you can add more flavors like ground coriander, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Herbs: I like to add fresh chopped cilantro and green onions before serving to my black beans and rice.

Citrus: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving for some extra flavor and acidity. It will really brighten up the dish.

Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe

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This simple side dish is versatile, inexpensive, and tasty. Serve with any meat, use it in burritos, or add diced chicken or sausage to make a one-dish meal.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic crushed or minced
• 1 cup white rice I like medium grain
• 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 15 ounces can of seasoned black beans drained and rinsed
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 3 minutes, until onion is tender and starting to brown. Add garlic, and sauté one minute longer. Add uncooked rice, and stir and sauté 2 minutes.
2. Add broth, salt, and cumin. Stir together, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.
3. Remove lid, stir in beans, and cover again. Turn off heat, and let stand for 3 minutes before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.com.

• Author: Andi Gleeson
• Prep Time: 5
• Cook Time: 25
• Category: Side Dish
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutritional Information

Beans are rich in protein, carbohydrates, micronutrients, and fiber. They also include folate, which is often lacking in American diets. The combination of grains and protein is filling and nutritious.

Rice (a grain) and beans (a legume) are each vegan and together make up a complete protein, providing each of the amino acids the body cannot make for itself. While rice is rich in starch and thus a great source of energy, beans contain iron and a good amount of protein.

Per Serving:

Health Benefits

For good reasons, rice and beans are a popular pairing in many different cultures all over the world. They both provide a cheap dish that is nutritious and rich in complex carbohydrates while being low in fat. Black beans and rice combined have a high protein content and at least 10% of seven vitamins and minerals.

• Gluten-free and naturally anti-inflammatory.
• Enhances the health of the nervous system.
• Great Source of Energy.
• Constipation prevention due to diuretic and digestive properties.
• Can Aid in Lowering Cancer Risks.
• Stops obesity.
• Regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Good Protein Source.

What Do You Love About Black Beans and Rice?

It is easy to have most, if not all, of the ingredients on hand that are needed for this recipe. This dinner recipe is so easy to prepare. It tastes and looks good, almost everyone likes it, and it doesn’t take a ton of time in the kitchen. Here are some other reasons to love this recipe:

• It has great flavor.
• Made in one pot
• Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and soy-free
• Uses inexpensive pantry staples
• Seasoned to perfection with Mexican-inspired flavors like cumin and chili powder

How to Store Black Beans and Rice?

Serve: Black beans and rice can be kept at room temperature for about two hours before serving.

Store: This recipe is excellent for meal preparation because it keeps well as leftovers. Beans and rice can be kept in the fridge for up to five days if they aren’t eaten.

Re-Heat: Reheat food slowly in a microwave or on the stovetop. Be sure to cover the rice with a wet paper towel before heating it in the microwave. By doing this, moisture will be added, resulting in fluffy, soft rice after reheating.

Freeze: Black Beans and Rice can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight container or zip-top bag as long as it is properly sealed.

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