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Flavorful Spanish Rice and Beans 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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