Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a vibrant and nutritious dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delightful Spanish Rice and Quinoa with Black Beans! This easy-to-follow recipe combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa and brown rice with the hearty texture of black beans, all infused with aromatic spices that will transport your taste buds straight to Spain. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this dish is not only satisfying but also packed with protein and fiber. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a colorful, delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa and brown rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess starch and potential bitterness.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped bell pepper and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Incorporate quinoa and brown rice into the skillet, stirring to coat the grains with the vegetable oils and aromatics.
- Sprinkle cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the grain mixture, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Pour vegetable broth into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice and quinoa for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Add rinsed and drained black beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking, gently folding them into the mixture.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and grains to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff the rice and quinoa with a fork before serving, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- Rinse Your Grains: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa and brown rice! This step removes excess starch and bitterness, ensuring a fluffier texture in your final dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and onions. They add a depth of flavor that dried or pre-packaged ingredients simply can't match.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or diced tomatoes to enhance the dish's texture and flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the spices to your taste! If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the dish to rest for about 5 minutes before fluffing it. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and gives the grains a chance to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Serve with a Twist: Consider topping your dish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
- Make it a Meal: This dish stands well on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
