Heart-Healthy Classic Rice and Beans

Wholesome, flavorful, and incredibly simple, this Heart-Healthy Classic Rice and Beans recipe is a nutritious twist on a beloved comfort food. Featuring tender brown rice, protein-packed low-sodium black beans, and a vibrant mix of bell peppers, onions, and warming spices like cumin and oregano, this dish is a celebration of bold flavors and healthy ingredients. Simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth for a rich depth of taste and topped with a fresh squeeze of lime and fragrant cilantro, this recipe is low in sodium yet brimming with zest. Perfect as a standalone vegetarian meal or a filling side dish, it’s ready in under an hour and designed to nourish both body and soul.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 whole lime
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.

Step 3

Add minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper to the onion and bell pepper mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with oil and spices.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and add salt. Stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

While the rice is cooking, rinse the black beans under cold water and drain well.

Step 8

Once the rice is cooked, gently stir in the black beans. Cover the saucepan again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice and bean mixture, and add a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.

Step 10

Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm as a standalone dish or a hearty side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1476.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	888.0

Total Fat 18.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1567.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 151.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.5g	0%
Total Sugars 15.2g
Protein 34.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 310.5mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 2156.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.5%

Protein: 15.2%

Carbs: 66.2%