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One-Pot Black Beans and Rice: Quick Weeknight Dinner

A close-up, appetizing shot of a serving of savory black beans and rice, topped with fresh green herbs.
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Make this easy, budget-friendly black beans and rice recipe in a single pot for minimal cleanup. It is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped smoked sausage (for non-vegan version)
  • Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. If using sausage, add it now and cook until lightly browned.
  4. Stir in the rinsed black beans, uncooked rice, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. If you are not using sausage, use 2 1/4 cups of vegetable broth instead of 2 cups to account for the missing moisture.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  7. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Fluff the black beans and rice mixture gently with a fork.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. This makes a great comfort food dinner.

Notes

  • For a Cuban-style flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar when fluffing the rice.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free, making it a versatile plant based protein meal.
  • To make a larger batch for meal prep, double the ingredients but monitor the liquid ratio carefully; you may need slightly less than double the broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/black-beans-and-rice-recipe-quick-dinner/