Rice And Black Beans
A flavorful and hearty rice and black beans dish with garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and optional ham, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal suitable for any palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop all vegetables including garlic and tomato.
- Open cans of black beans and stewed tomatoes, saving the liquids.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chopped tomato and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in washed rice and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the saved bean and tomato liquids along with broth, salt, pepper, chili pepper, and herbs.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
- If using ham, stir in cooked ham during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of dried flaked chili pepper or add fresh jalapeños. You can substitute the black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans, depending on your preference. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to fit various tastes, perfect for those who enjoy diverse Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rice and black beans dish as a hearty main course or as a side alongside grilled meats or tacos. It pairs beautifully with Tex-Mex Tortilla Casserole for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or avocado for added freshness. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Cornbread or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out, and microwave until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Black Beans contains roughly 487 calories, with 18g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1683mg per serving (73% 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 instant rice instead of raw rice?
Yes, you can use instant rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Instant rice usually requires less liquid and cooking time, so check for doneness sooner to avoid mushy rice.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the beef or chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit any meat additions. This will still yield a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal, perfect for meatless Mondays or any day.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding them to the pot when you add the garlic and tomato for optimal tenderness.
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).