Simple Rice and Beans

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this hearty and wholesome Simple Rice and Beans recipe! Packed with protein-rich black beans, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, this dish is as comforting as it is flavorful. Sautéed onions and garlic provide a robust base, while a splash of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add a zesty, refreshing finish. Ready in just 35 minutes and perfect for busy schedules, this vegan and gluten-free meal is a budget-friendly, one-pan wonder that’s ideal for meal prep or as a satisfying side dish. Serve as is, or pair it with avocado, roasted veggies, or your favorite protein for a complete and balanced meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, stir, and lower the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15-18 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet, followed by the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Cook the beans on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.

Step 8

Squeeze the lime juice into the beans and stir in the chopped cilantro.

Step 9

Serve the cooked rice topped with the beans, and garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1305.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	971.2

Total Fat 31.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1991.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 142.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.0g	0%
Total Sugars 6.4g
Protein 33.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 279.1mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 1422.6mg	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: 28.6%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 58.0%