Simple Rice and Beans
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and wholesome Simple Rice and Beans recipe! Packed with protein-rich black beans, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, this dish is as comforting as it is flavorful. Sautéed onions and garlic provide a robust base, while a splash of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add a zesty, refreshing finish. Ready in just 35 minutes and perfect for busy schedules, this vegan and gluten-free meal is a budget-friendly, one-pan wonder that’s ideal for meal prep or as a satisfying side dish. Serve as is, or pair it with avocado, roasted veggies, or your favorite protein for a complete and balanced meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, stir, and lower the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15-18 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet, followed by the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the beans on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.
Squeeze the lime juice into the beans and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Serve the cooked rice topped with the beans, and garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
971 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.3 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1992 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 142.9 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.0 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 33.1 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 279 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1423 mg | 30% | |
*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.
