Rice and Beans with Spices (Printable)

Tender beans and fluffy rice come together with vibrant spices for a satisfying dish.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Grains & Legumes

01 - 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
02 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Spices & Seasonings

06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
09 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Liquids

13 - 2 cups vegetable broth
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garnishes

15 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
02 - Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in garlic and bell pepper; cook for another 2 minutes.
04 - Add cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add rinsed rice and cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes to toast lightly.
06 - Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes.
07 - Stir in black beans, cover, and continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.
09 - Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spice blend transforms ordinary canned beans into something that tastes like it simmered all day
  • Everything cooks in one pot so you spend less time washing dishes and more time eating
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice simmers escaping steam will ruin the texture
  • Letting the dish rest covered for 5 minutes is not optional it completes the cooking process
03 -
  • Rinse your rice until the water runs completely clear for the fluffiest results
  • Use a heavy bottomed pot to prevent the rice from scorching on the bottom

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