High Protein White Rice with Black Beans
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and nourishing High Protein White Rice with Black Beans recipe! Packed with plant-based protein from tender black beans and complemented by fluffy white rice, sautéed vegetables, and aromatic spices like cumin and smoked paprika, this dish is a balanced blend of flavor and nutrition. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, it’s ready in under 40 minutes and offers a colorful, satisfying meal the whole family will love. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime for an extra burst of freshness. This recipe is ideal for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, making it a versatile addition to your menu. Try this wholesome, protein-rich meal today!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) canned black beans (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium (diced) yellow onion
- 1 medium (diced) bell pepper (any color)
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (chopped) fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 cut into wedges lime (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and set aside, keeping it covered.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
Drain and rinse the canned black beans. Add the beans to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir well to combine.
Let the black bean mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it among serving plates.
Top each plate of rice with a generous portion of the black bean mixture.
If desired, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
817 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.3 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1667 mg | 72% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 135.5 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.2 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.2 g | ||
| Protein | 33.0 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 277 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 1610 mg | 34% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
