Imagine a dish so simple yet so satisfying that it can transport you to the vibrant streets of Latin America with just one bite! Our Basic Beans and Rice recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines budget-friendly ingredients with incredible flavor. Whether you're a busy professional, a student on a budget, or someone looking for a quick and nutritious meal, this recipe is your ultimate go-to solution that promises to tantalize your taste buds and fill your stomach with warmth and deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Latin
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of water, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper to taste, and chopped cilantro for garnish.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the 2 cups of water and 1 cup of rice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the rice to simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the black beans. In a separate saucepan, add the drained and rinsed black beans along with 1 teaspoon of cumin.
- Heat the black beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow them to warm through for about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This helps to fluff the rice.
- After the resting time, uncover the rice and fluff it with a fork.
- To serve, spoon the fluffy rice onto plates and top with the warmed black beans.
- Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
- Enjoy your basic beans and rice as a nutritious meal or a side dish!
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Bean Boost: Use low-sodium canned beans and rinse them thoroughly to control salt content and improve digestibility.
- Flavor Enhancement: Toast your cumin in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to beans to intensify its nutty, aromatic profile.
- Texture Trick: Let your rice rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish—it adds a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for batch cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 244kcal
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
