Are you craving a mouthwatering vegetarian dish that's not just healthy, but incredibly delicious? Look no further! This Black Beans, Carrots, and Rice recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Packed with protein, vibrant colors, and layers of flavor, this one-pan wonder will transform your dinner routine from boring to extraordinary in just 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves satisfying meals, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans, canned
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the canned black beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium.
- Peel and dice the carrots into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- Finely chop the onion, creating small, consistent pieces that will distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, which helps develop a rich, sweet flavor base.
- Add the diced carrots to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Pour in the rice and stir to coat the grains with the vegetable oils, which helps enhance the rice's nutty flavor.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for approximately 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Gently fold in the pre-rinsed black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat them through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning gradually and tasting as you go.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and steam to redistribute.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and create a light, airy texture.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Tips
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility.
- Cut carrots into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Sauté onions until they're translucent to develop a deeper, sweeter flavor base.
- Toast rice briefly in vegetable oils before adding liquid to enhance its nutty undertones.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels and boost overall flavor.
- Keep the lid tightly sealed while simmering to trap steam and create perfectly fluffy rice.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and steam to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a bright, fresh finish.
- For extra protein, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or nutritional yeast.
- Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika to customize the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
