Description
Spanish Rice and Beans is a classic, flavorful dish that combines hearty rice, savory beans, and a delicious mix of spices. This one-pot meal is both easy to make and filling, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a side dish for larger meals. The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and cumin gives it a delicious depth of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
To make this dish, you’ll need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir it for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
- Add the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes (or until the rice is tender).
Step 3: Add the Beans
- Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the drained beans.
- Cover and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the beans can warm through and absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the skillet from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps keep it from becoming too sticky or mushy.
- Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper, smoky flavor, try using fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Add Heat: If you enjoy a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving for a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Spanish, Latin