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One-Pot Easy Weeknight Black Beans and Rice

A close-up of fluffy white rice topped with seasoned black beans and a generous amount of fresh chopped cilantro, representing black beans and rice.
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Make this simple, flavorful black beans and rice dish in a single pot for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep option.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the uncooked rice until it is coated with the oil and spices.
  5. Add the rinsed black beans, vegetable broth, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat. Let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice mixture with a fork.
  9. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This recipe is great for meal planning.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, add smoked sausage or shredded cooked chicken during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
  • If you prefer a Cuban style, add a splash of apple cider vinegar with the lime juice.
  • This dish works well as a side or a main course. It is a budget friendly recipe.
  • If you are looking for alternatives to traditional cooking methods, consider how sous-vide precision cooker techniques might apply to other recipes, though this one-pot method is fast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/black-beans-and-rice-recipe/