Make this flavorful, hearty black beans and rice in just one pot! It is a perfect weeknight comfort meal that tastes amazing as a main dish or a side.
Author:Sophia Collins
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American/Latin Inspired
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (or use 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed, for vegetarian option)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (in addition to the main beans if using sausage)
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. (Skip this step if making the vegetarian version; just add 1 tablespoon of oil).
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the uncooked rice, coating it with the oil and spices. Cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the rinsed black beans and the cooked sausage (if using). Cover the pot again and let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This dish is great paired with a good meal planning system to keep your week organized!
Notes
For a Cuban style flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you are looking for quick weeknight solutions, consider how meal delivery companies can simplify your routine, but this recipe is fast enough for any night!
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free smoked sausage.
For a richer flavor, you can substitute the broth with water and add a bouillon cube.