Are you craving a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Latin America? Look no further! Our Rice and Black Beans recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines hearty flavors, nutritious ingredients, and a touch of exotic spice that will make your mouth water. In just 25 minutes, you can create a delectable dish that's not only easy to prepare but will become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Latin
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of white rice, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
- In a medium-sized pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the cumin, allowing it to toast slightly for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
- Add the rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the rice with the onion, garlic, and cumin mixture. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- While the rice is cooking, in a separate small pot, heat the drained and rinsed black beans over low heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cumin for extra flavor if desired.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This will help to steam the rice and make it fluffier.
- After the resting period, fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the warmed black beans.
- To serve, spoon the rice and black bean mixture onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious and nutritious rice and black beans, perfect as a main dish or a side!
Tips
- Rice Toasting Technique: Before adding liquid, lightly toast the rice with onions, garlic, and cumin. This step enhances the depth of flavor and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Always use the correct broth-to-rice ratio. In this recipe, 2 cups of vegetable broth for 1 cup of rice ensures perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the rice on low heat and resist the urge to peek or stir too often. This helps the rice cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Resting is Crucial: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. This steaming process makes the rice lighter and fluffier.
- Bean Preparation: Always rinse canned black beans to reduce sodium and remove excess starch. Gently warming them separately helps maintain their texture.
- Fresh Garnish: Don't skip the fresh cilantro! It adds a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or a splash of lime juice to personalize this versatile recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
