Imagine a dish that combines hearty, nutritious ingredients with explosive flavor in just 40 minutes - welcome to the world of Mel's Kitchen Cafe Classic Black Beans and Rice! This Latin American-inspired recipe is not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone looking to explore international cuisine, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of brown rice, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cumin, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the brown rice to the saucepan, stirring to combine it with the onion, garlic, and cumin mixture. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the black beans. In a separate saucepan, combine the rinsed and drained black beans with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow it to steam and fluff up.
- After the resting period, fluff the rice with a fork and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, spoon the fluffy brown rice onto plates and top with the warmed black beans. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or avocado for added flavor.
- Enjoy your classic and simple black beans and rice, a delicious and nutritious dish inspired by Latin American cuisine!
Tips
- Rice Toasting Secret: Always toast your rice before adding liquid. This step enhances the nutty flavor and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Broth Matters: Use high-quality vegetable broth for deeper flavor. If possible, choose low-sodium versions to control salt content.
- Timing is Key: Let the rice rest after cooking - this allows it to absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for batch cooking.Pro Tip: For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make this a complete meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
