Craving a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed meal that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico? Look no further than this incredibly easy Mexican Beans and Rice Soup! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a soul-warming dish that combines the rich, earthy flavors of black beans, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this recipe promises to become your new go-to comfort food that's not just delicious, but also nutritious and incredibly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by rinsing the black beans, chopping the onion, and measuring out the spices and broth.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if desired.
- Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cumin and stir, allowing the spice to become fragrant for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Add the rinsed black beans to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting spices as needed.
- Stir in the pre-cooked rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Bean Preparation: Always rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch, ensuring a cleaner flavor and better texture.
- Spice Enhancement: Toast your cumin briefly in the pot before adding other ingredients to release its full, nutty aroma and deepen the soup's flavor profile.
- Rice Technique: Use pre-cooked rice and add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain its perfect texture.
- Flavor Boosting: Consider adding a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving to brighten the entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
