Low Sodium Yellow Rice with Beans

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this flavorful and wholesome Low Sodium Yellow Rice with Beans. This vibrant dish combines fragrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika for a subtly smoky, earthy flavor while keeping sodium levels in check. Long-grain white rice is simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth and paired with protein-packed black or kidney beans, making it a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian meal. Optional frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro brighten the dish beautifully. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect as a healthy main course or a stunning side dish for any table. Packed with flavor and heart-healthy ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for delicious low-sodium options.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 cup black beans or kidney beans, cooked and rinsed (no salt added)
• 0.5 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 0 ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains in the spice mixture.

Step 5

Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 7

Gently fold in the cooked and rinsed beans and optional frozen peas. Cover and let the mixture sit on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.

Step 8

Remove the pot from heat. Add freshly squeezed lime juice and season with ground black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve the rice warm, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1153.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	775.1

Total Fat 16.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 300.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 130.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.6g	0%
Total Sugars 12.3g
Protein 26.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 193.4mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 1588.1mg	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: 19.4%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 67.0%