This Black Beans and Rice recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor! It’s a classic dish that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying. We’re talking fluffy rice infused with the rich flavors of black beans, sofrito, and sazón. It’s a hearty and wholesome meal that comes together in just 45 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more deliciousness! This recipe is a breeze to make in a single pot.
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of sofrito, sazón, and black beans creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the Caribbean.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients
You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: For sautéing the sofrito.
- Sofrito: A flavorful blend of vegetables and herbs that forms the base of many Caribbean dishes.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained, these add protein and a rich texture.
- Long grain rice: Use your favorite variety!
- Water: The cooking liquid for the rice and beans.
- Sazón with achiote: A seasoning blend that adds a vibrant color and flavor.
- Vegetable or chicken bouillon cube: Enhances the savory depth.
- Kosher salt: To taste.
How to Make Black Beans and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Sofrito
Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the sofrito and cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add the Beans and Rice
Add the rinsed black beans and rice to the pot and stir well to coat in the sofrito.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the water, add the sazón, bouillon cube, and salt. Stir and bring to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer and Steam
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, undisturbed, for another 5-8 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use quality sofrito: Homemade sofrito is best, but you can also find good quality store-bought versions.
- Adjust the liquid: Depending on the type of rice you use, you may need to adjust the amount of water.
- Don’t peek! Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is steaming. This will allow it to cook evenly.
How to Serve Black Beans and Rice
- Simple Side: This dish is a fantastic side for grilled chicken, fish, or pork.
- Hearty Meal: Top with a fried egg, avocado, or your favorite salsa for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Leftover Love: It’s even delicious cold or reheated for lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of water.
What can I substitute for sofrito?
If you don’t have sofrito, you can use a combination of diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro.
Can I make this recipe in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can! Sauté the sofrito separately, then add it to the rice cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook according to the rice cooker instructions.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
You can add cooked chicken, chorizo, or tofu to the pot along with the beans and rice.
There you have it! A simple, flavorful, and satisfying Black Beans and Rice recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
PrintBlack Beans and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American, Caribbean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This simple and flavorful Black Beans and Rice recipe is a classic comfort food. Made with pantry staples, it’s a budget-friendly and satisfying dish that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Pantry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sofrito (I keep this in my freezer)
- 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups long grain rice (I like Carolina)
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1 packet Sazon with achiote (or 1/2 tablespoon homemade sazon)
- 1 large vegetable or chicken bouillon cube (such as Maggi)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Sauté Sofrito: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add sofrito and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Beans and Rice: Add the rinsed black beans and rice to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the water. Add the Sazon seasoning, bouillon cube, and salt. Stir well.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until the liquid is almost absorbed and just skims the top of the rice.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-8 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Sofrito is a flavorful blend of vegetables and herbs that is commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. You can find it pre-made in the freezer section of most grocery stores or make your own.
- Sazon seasoning is a blend of spices that typically includes cumin, coriander, garlic powder, and annatto. It can be found in the Latin American aisle of most grocery stores.
- If you don’t have Sazon seasoning, you can substitute it with a blend of cumin, coriander, garlic powder, and turmeric.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper.
- This dish can be served as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 220kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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