Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant Caribbean islands with this irresistible "Good Ole Rice n Beans" recipe! Imagine a dish so comforting, so packed with flavor, that it'll make your weeknight dinner feel like a tropical vacation. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this simple yet incredibly delicious recipe promises to become your new go-to meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of rice, 1 can of black beans (drained), 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Stir in the cumin, allowing it to toast slightly in the oil for about 30 seconds. This will enhance the flavor of the spice.
- Add the rice to the pot, stirring well to coat the rice with the oil and spices. Cook the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure proper steaming.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This will allow the rice to finish cooking and become fluffy.
- Once the resting time is complete, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Gently fold in the drained black beans.
- Season the rice and beans with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve the rice and beans hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy your delicious Good Ole Rice n Beans!
Tips
- Toast your rice and spices before adding liquid to enhance the depth of flavor and prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh garlic and don't rush the sautéing process - letting the onions and garlic develop a golden color will add rich, complex flavors to your dish.
- Keep the lid on while cooking and resist the temptation to peek! This ensures proper steam circulation and perfectly cooked rice.
- For extra protein, consider adding diced chicken or chorizo to make the dish more substantial.
- Experiment with different bean varieties like kidney beans or pinto beans to create your unique twist on this classic recipe.
- If you want a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon of butter after fluffing the rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors and add a fresh touch to your finished dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 190kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
