Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Costa Rica? Imagine savoring a dish that perfectly balances hearty black beans and fluffy white rice, all infused with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables. This Costa Rican Black Beans and Rice recipe is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a tropical paradise! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe that they won't be able to resist!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Costa Rican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked black beans
- 2 cups white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell pepper softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the cumin and salt, allowing the spices to toast for about 1 minute, which will enhance their flavor.
- Add the cooked black beans to the pot and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the bean mixture is simmering, rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly.
- In a separate pot, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water (or broth, if you prefer) and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Once both the beans and rice are cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates. Spoon the black bean mixture over the rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy your delicious Costa Rican Black Beans and Rice!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and rinse the rice ahead of time. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a splash of lime juice to the bean mixture while it simmers.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. Fresh cilantro as a garnish adds a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish.
- Customize Your Beans: If you have dried black beans, soak and cook them beforehand for an even richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Perfectly Fluffy Rice: Rinsing the rice is key to achieving fluffy grains. Make sure to rinse until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices such as paprika or chili powder to give your beans an extra kick!
- Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with avocado slices, fried plantains, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they make for a great filling in burritos or as a topping for nachos!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 218kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 9g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
