Brown Rice With Black Beans
A flavorful and hearty vegetarian dish featuring brown rice, black beans, sweet peppers, corn, and spicy jalapenos, perfect for a nutritious and colorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 c. brown rice ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. finely chopped sweet red pepper ⓘ
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 ears corn or 1 c. frozen corn ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, peeled and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook brown rice in water as directed on the package.
- Meanwhile, sauté onion, sweet red pepper, and jalapeno peppers in olive oil until softened but not browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add corn, chopped tomato, and black beans with liquid from the can.
- Sprinkle with chili powder and balsamic vinegar and stir well.
- Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Keep warm until rice is ready.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider including spices like cumin or smoked paprika. If you're out of jalapenos, diced green chilies can provide a similar heat. You can also use quinoa instead of brown rice for a different texture. To boost the nutritional value, feel free to add some chopped kale or spinach towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for extra creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Heart Smart Tortilla Chips for a crunchy contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple green salad or a refreshing Mexico Chiquito Punch to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to prevent drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice With Black Beans contains roughly 915 calories, with 24g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (386% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 687mg per serving (30% 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 white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use white rice, but adjust the cooking time as it usually cooks faster than brown rice. Follow the package instructions for white rice to ensure it doesn't become mushy.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients. It's perfect for anyone looking for vegan recipes that are hearty and satisfying.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier.
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).