Heart-Healthy Arroz Moro

Discover a wholesome twist on a classic Cuban dish with this Heart-Healthy Arroz Moro recipe, a vibrant fusion of earthy black beans, nutty brown rice, and bold, smoky spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, this nutritious one-pot meal swaps traditional ingredients for heart-friendly alternatives, such as low-sodium vegetable broth and olive oil. Sautéed red onions and green bell peppers add a burst of flavor, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of zesty lime bring a refreshing finish. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, offering satisfying comfort without compromising on health.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown rice
• 1 cup Black beans
• 2 cups Water
• 1 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 medium, chopped Red onion
• 1 medium, chopped Green bell pepper
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 whole Bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Cilantro
• 1 whole Lime

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the brown rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer.

Step 2

Drain and rinse the black beans if using canned beans.

Step 3

In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add chopped red onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Add the rinsed brown rice to the pot, stirring to coat with the oil and vegetable mixture.

Step 7

Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 8

Pour in the water and vegetable broth, and add the bay leaf. Stir to combine.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for about 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 10

In the final 10 minutes of cooking, gently fold in the black beans.

Step 11

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 12

Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro.

Step 13

Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing citrus squeeze.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1502.1 grams (1502.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	656

Total Fat 18.70g	24%
Saturated Fat 2.80g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1935mg	84%
Total Carbohydrate 108.40g	39%
Dietary Fiber 22.30g	80%
Total Sugars 14.50g
Protein 19.90g	40%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 260mg	20%
Iron 7mg	40%
Potassium 1018mg	22%

*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: 24.7%

Protein: 11.7%

Carbs: 63.6%