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One-Pot Cuban-Style Black Beans and Rice

A close-up shot of a spoonful of seasoned rice mixed with dark black beans and fresh cilantro, lifted above a plate of black beans and rice.
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Make this hearty, flavorful black beans and rice in a single pot for easy weeknight dinners and minimal cleanup. This recipe is budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Optional additions: 1 cup sliced smoked sausage, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 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, oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. If using sausage, add it now and cook until lightly browned.
  4. Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is coated with the oil and spices. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add the rinsed black beans, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during simmering.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • For the fluffiest rice and beans, avoid stirring the mixture while it simmers.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To make this a Vegan Black Beans and Rice dish, simply omit the optional sausage.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth, but note this will make the dish non-vegetarian.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yummagnet.com/black-beans-and-rice-one-pot-recipe/