Are you craving a hearty, nutritious, and incredibly easy meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Crock Pot Black Bean Rice Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, aromatic flavors of Mexican-inspired comfort food, without spending hours slaving over the stove. This one-pot wonder is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will warm your soul and satisfy your hunger with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans, soaked overnight
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the soaked black beans thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure even distribution of flavor throughout the soup.
- In the crock pot, combine the rinsed black beans, diced onion, minced garlic, brown rice, and canned diced tomatoes.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are well-covered.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture, stirring gently to distribute the spices evenly.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours, allowing the beans and rice to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- Occasionally stir the soup during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- After 6 hours, check the beans and rice for tenderness. If needed, cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Soak beans overnight: This reduces cooking time and helps improve digestibility. Always rinse thoroughly before cooking.
- Layer ingredients strategically: Place beans and rice at the bottom, with vegetables and spices on top for more even cooking.
- Don't skip the spices: Cumin and chili powder are key to developing deep, authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Keep liquid levels consistent: Check occasionally and add more vegetable broth if the soup looks too thick.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a handful of fresh cilantro just before serving.
- If you're short on time, you can use canned black beans instead of dried, which will reduce overall cooking time.
- Experiment with toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to personalize your soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
