Oh my goodness, let me tell you about *Spanish rice and beans*! This dish is a total flavor bomb and so nutritious, too. I remember the first time I tried it at a friend’s family gathering. The smell of cumin and garlic wafting through the kitchen had my stomach rumbling before I even got to the table. It’s such a comforting meal, packed with protein and fiber, and oh-so-easy to whip up! Plus, it’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen, even if you’re just a home cook like me. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup of rice (I usually go for long-grain, but you can use whatever you have on hand!)
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed (don’t skip this step—trust me, it makes a difference!)
- 1 onion, chopped (I love using a yellow onion for sweetness, but any onion works!)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better, right?)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, yellow—whatever color brings you joy!)
- 2 cups of vegetable broth (this adds so much flavor, don’t just use water!)
- 1 teaspoon of cumin (it’s the secret spice that makes this dish sing!)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (I go for smoked paprika for a lovely depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key, so taste as you go!)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (I can’t resist that burst of freshness on top!)
How to Prepare Spanish Rice and Beans
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious dish! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of *Spanish rice and beans* that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat a splash of oil in a pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm for the veggies.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Next, add the rice to the pot. Stir it around for about 2-3 minutes, letting it toast slightly. This gives it a beautiful nutty flavor.
- Now, pour in the vegetable broth and toss in the drained and rinsed black beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll want the rice to be tender and absorb all that delicious broth.
- Once the time’s up, fluff the rice with a fork. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top, and voila! You’ve got a scrumptious dish that’s ready to be served.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This *Spanish rice and beans* dish is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Each serving, about 1 cup, packs in approximately 250 calories. You’ll get around 2 grams of fat (and no saturated fat, yay!), with 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber—perfect for keeping you full and satisfied! It also contains about 45 grams of carbohydrates and just 1 gram of sugar. Plus, with 300mg of sodium, it’s a well-balanced meal that won’t break the bank on your daily nutrition. Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with a delightful mix of spices that’ll wow your taste buds.
- Nutrient-dense and filling, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side, and it pairs beautifully with so many things!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy it more than once!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Spanish rice and beans* turns out perfectly! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to match your taste—if you love a bit of heat, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce! Also, if you want a creamier texture, consider tossing in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving. And remember, letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it with fresh avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing—it’s a game changer!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to customize your *Spanish rice and beans*! Try adding a can of diced tomatoes for a juicy twist or toss in some corn for a sweet crunch. You can also switch up the herbs—cilantro is great, but parsley or chives work beautifully too! For an extra kick, sprinkle in some chili powder or add jalapeños. Just have fun with it and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your *Spanish rice and beans*, I love serving it with creamy avocado slices on the side. It adds a lovely richness that balances out the spices perfectly! A squeeze of fresh lime juice is also a must—trust me, it brightens everything up! You could even pair it with a simple side salad or some warm corn tortillas for a complete meal. And if you’re feeling fancy, try topping it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of feta cheese. Yum!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Spanish rice and beans* is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious leftovers! When you’re ready to dig in, just reheat in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also heat it up on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist. Enjoy every last bite!
Spanish Rice and Beans: 5 Flavorful Tips You’ll Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and nutritious dish made with rice and beans, seasoned with spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until soft.
- Add rice and stir for a few minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and mix in beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve with avocado or lime for added flavor.
- This dish can be made vegan by using vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spanish rice and beans