Brown Rice And Black Beans
A hearty, flavorful dish combining brown rice, black beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for a quick, nutritious vegetarian meal suitable for any time of day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute oil and chopped onion in a large pan or skillet.
- Add canned tomatoes with juice, black beans with juice, oregano leaves, and garlic powder or minced garlic.
- Bring to a boil and stir in the instant brown rice.
- Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for at least 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice. You can also substitute the black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the dish's flavor. To spice things up, serve with a side of Hot Salsa (Ciordia) for a zesty kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the brown rice and black beans warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices. It pairs beautifully with Gene'S Sizzling Salsa for a delightful contrast. This dish is excellent as a main course or as a side to grilled meats or spicy corn and tomato salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, then microwave or heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice And Black Beans contains roughly 727 calories, with 23g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (176% of the Daily Value), and calcium (127% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 586mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular brown rice instead of instant brown rice?
Yes, you can use regular brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Regular brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so add it to the pan after the tomatoes and beans, along with additional water as needed.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It’s a nutritious option for plant-based diets, providing protein from the black beans and fiber from the brown rice.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mix. You could also serve it with a drizzle of hot sauce or a side of Cilantro Chili Salsa for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).