Flavorful Spanish Rice and Beans Recipe

Introduction

Spanish Rice and Beans is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a comforting meal. Combining fragrant rice, savory beans, and vibrant spices, it’s both simple to make and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 can beans (black or pinto), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast it lightly.
3. Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the beans, stir gently, cover again, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add garlic with the onion or use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
• Try adding chopped bell peppers or corn for more texture and color.
• Use cooked beans from scratch if you prefer, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover Spanish Rice and Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of beans for this recipe?

Yes, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas work well and can be substituted based on your preference.

Is this dish vegan-friendly?

By using vegetable broth and olive oil, this recipe is completely vegan. Just avoid any animal-based broth or additives.

Flavorful Spanish Rice and Beans Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 113 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Spanish Rice and Beans recipe featuring tender rice cooked with aromatic spices and simmered with savory beans and tomatoes for a classic, hearty dish.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Spanish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Beans

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the rice: Add the rice to the pan and stir to lightly toast it for 2 minutes, coating it well with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes with juice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Add the beans: Stir in the drained black beans and continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
5. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Fluff the rice and beans with a fork before serving warm as a main or side dish.

Notes

• For added flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.
• You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans depending on your preference.
• Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the rice.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Keywords: Spanish rice, rice and beans, vegetarian recipe, one pot meal, easy dinner, hearty rice dish