Low Sodium Flavorful Bean Rice

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Low Sodium Flavorful Bean Rice, a hearty and nutrient-packed dish that's anything but bland. Made with fiber-rich brown rice, tender black beans, and a medley of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers and carrots, this recipe is a celebration of wholesome ingredients. Infused with bold spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, and brightened with a zesty kick of lime juice and fresh cilantro, every bite is a burst of vibrant flavor—all without the need for added salt. Perfect as a standalone vegetarian main or a versatile side dish, this one-pan wonder is easy to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prep. Bring a satisfying, low-sodium option to your table in just an hour!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 large, diced carrot
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 can (15 oz), rinsed and drained black beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 zest and juice lime
• 0.25 cup, chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the brown rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 40 minutes or until the rice is tender and all water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 5

Add the diced red bell pepper and carrot to the skillet, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Step 8

Sprinkle the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and black pepper over the vegetable and bean mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices.

Step 9

Once the rice is done, add it to the skillet with the vegetables and beans. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 10

Add the lime zest and juice to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to bring out the flavors.

Step 11

Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.

Step 12

Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1537.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1007.7

Total Fat 34.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1394.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 146.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.3g	0%
Total Sugars 19.0g
Protein 33.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 377.2mg	0%
Iron 11.0mg	0%
Potassium 987.0mg	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: 30.3%

Protein: 13.0%

Carbs: 56.6%