Go Back

Easy Rice and Beans

A quick and delicious dish combining fluffy rice and creamy beans, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Latin American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup rice (white or brown, your choice)
  • 1 can black beans (or pinto beans), drained and rinsed
  • 1 unit onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • unit Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by rinsing your beans under cold water to remove the excess sodium. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Cooking Rice
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer according to the package instructions (usually around 15-20 minutes) until all the water is absorbed.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Stir in the drained beans and cumin into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so the beans are heated through and nicely flavored.
  2. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it up with a fork and add it to the skillet with the beans. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright touch. Enjoy with your preferred toppings!

Notes

If you're looking to switch things up, feel free to use quinoa instead of rice. Always have your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. Don’t skip the step of rinsing the beans!