Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Southern cuisine with this mouthwatering Black Beans and Rice with Ham recipe! Imagine a one-pot wonder that combines hearty black beans, savory ham, and perfectly cooked rice into a meal that's not just delicious, but will have your entire family begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish that screams home-cooked comfort, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that promises flavor in every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans, cooked
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: cooked black beans, rice, diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Next, add the diced ham to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the ham to heat through and develop a slight caramelization.
- Stir in the cooked black beans, followed by the rice. Mix everything together well to ensure the rice is coated with the flavors from the onion, garlic, and ham.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- After 20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking and the flavors to meld.
- Fluff the rice and beans gently with a fork before serving. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the black beans and rice with ham warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime if desired. Enjoy your Southern-inspired meal!
Tips
- • For extra flavor, use ham that's been slightly caramelized or from a smoked variety. • If using canned black beans, rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content. • Make sure to sauté the onions and garlic slowly to develop a rich, deep flavor base. • Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt levels in your dish. • For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. • Let the dish rest for those extra 5 minutes after cooking - this helps the rice absorb remaining moisture and intensifies the flavors. • Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness and color. • This recipe is perfect for meal prep - it reheats beautifully and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
