Description
Spanish Rice and Beans is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s packed with bold spices, hearty beans, and perfectly seasoned rice. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this easy one-pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir for about 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
- Add smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes (or until the rice is tender).
Step 3: Add the Beans
- Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the drained beans.
- Cover and let it cook for another 5 minutes so the beans warm through and absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Rinse the Rice: This removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: For a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Add More Spice: If you love heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Spanish