Rice with Black Beans

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant Rice with Black Beans recipe, a flavorful fusion of hearty ingredients and aromatic spices. This one-pot wonder combines fluffy long-grain white rice, protein-packed black beans, and a fragrant blend of cumin, oregano, and bay leaf for a dish that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro add a zesty, herbaceous finish, while sautéed onions and garlic bring depth to every bite. Perfect as a stand-alone vegetarian meal or a versatile side dish, this comforting recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Whether you're meal-prepping or seeking a quick, flavorful fix, this rice and bean dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and simplicity.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 15 oz black beans, canned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 unit bay leaf
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 unit lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the saucepan and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir well to coat the rice with oil and onion mixture.

Step 6

Pour in 2 cups of water, then add the cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.

Step 8

While the rice is cooking, drain and rinse the canned black beans under cold water.

Step 9

Once the rice is cooked, remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 10

Gently fold the black beans into the rice, add the lime juice, and stir to combine.

Step 11

Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1369.1 grams (1369.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	981

Total Fat 31.70g	41%
Saturated Fat 4.90g	25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3909mg	170%
Total Carbohydrate 145.00g	53%
Dietary Fiber 30.30g	108%
Total Sugars 6.80g
Protein 34.10g	68%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 304mg	23%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 1506mg	32%

*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: 28.5%

Protein: 13.6%

Carbs: 57.9%