Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of rich, hearty flavors with Isabel's Rice and Beans – the ultimate comfort dish that will make your kitchen smell like a Latin American paradise! This simple yet incredibly delicious recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that promises to satisfy hunger, warm your soul, and impress everyone at the dinner table. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe is your ticket to a quick, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cumin to the onions, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the aromatic flavors, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
- Add the rinsed and drained black beans to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste, gently warming them through for 2-3 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.
- Top the rice with the seasoned black beans.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Isabel's Rice and Beans!
Tips
- Rinsing Rice is Key: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separated grains that aren't sticky.
- Watch Your Heat: When cooking rice, keep the heat low and resist the temptation to lift the lid. This ensures even cooking and perfect texture.
- Flavor Boost: Toast your cumin briefly in the pan with onions and garlic to intensify its nutty, warm flavor before adding beans.
- Bean Tip: Use freshly rinsed canned black beans for the best texture and to control sodium levels.
- Garnish Magic: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish – it adds a bright, fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add a splash of lime juice or a dash of hot sauce to personalize the recipe to your taste.Pro tip: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make extra for delicious leftovers!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 274kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
