There’s something about a steaming bowl of black beans and rice that just feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s like a cozy sweater for your soul, and trust me, this recipe is as easy as catching your favorite show on Netflix after a long day. One time, I even made it while juggling a Zoom call and my cat’s relentless demands for attention—it’s that simple and forgiving!
Steps
- Gather all necessary ingredients to prepare the dish.
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking and stirring them for about 4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is well coated, and continue to cook and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to a simmer, and let it cook until the liquid is absorbed, which should take around 20 minutes.
- Mix in the drained black beans, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper, cooking until the beans are heated through.
- Once everything is cooked and well combined, serve the dish and enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup uncooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups low sodium, low fat vegetable broth
- 3 ½ cups canned black beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 840 | Total Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Sodium: 2124mg | Total Carbohydrate: 162g | Dietary Fiber: 36g | Total Sugars: 6g | Protein: 36g | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 234mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1788mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice or even leftover rice for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
- Is it possible to adjust the spice level in the recipe?
- Absolutely! You can modify the spice level by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper, or by adding additional spices like diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra heat.
- What can I add to enhance the flavors of the dish?
- To enhance flavors, consider adding ingredients such as lime juice, cilantro, or fresh tomatoes. You can also incorporate proteins like shrimp or chorizo for additional variety.
- Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
- Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring all ingredients, such as the vegetable broth, are plant-based.
- How can I serve black beans and rice?
- Black beans and rice can be served as a main dish, a side, or as part of a burrito bowl. You might also enjoy it with toppings like sour cream, salsa, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Tips
- To add more depth of flavor, consider incorporating diced tomatoes with green chilies, lime juice, and fresh cilantro. This can also help balance the spiciness if you find the cayenne pepper too hot.
- For a protein boost, mix in cooked shrimp or ground chorizo. If you use chorizo, you might not need the cayenne as it already provides a nice kick.
- Experiment with different types of rice such as brown rice for a nuttier taste and additional fiber.
- For a creamy texture, garnish with sour cream or serve the dish on a low-carb tortilla to make it more filling.
Equipment
- Saucepan with Lid – Essential for cooking the rice and beans.
- Chef’s Knife – Useful for chopping onions and mincing garlic.
- Cutting Board – Provides a surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Garlic Press (optional) – For easily mincing garlic.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the ingredients while cooking.
