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Rice and Beans Recipe - Simple, Hearty, and Flavorful

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati works too)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or neutral oil)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, but highly recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional garnish)

Method
 

  1. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This helps prevent gumminess.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Toast the spices: Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili powder or red pepper flakes. Toast for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Add rice and beans: Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute, coating it in the spiced oil. Add the beans and gently mix.
  5. Add liquid and simmer: Pour in the broth (or water), add the bay leaf if using, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Cook the rice: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  7. Rest and fluff: Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the bay leaf. Fluff with a fork.
  8. Finish and serve: Squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle with cilantro or parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve warm.