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Easy Weeknight Black Beans and Rice with Smoked Paprika

A white bowl filled with fluffy white rice topped generously with seasoned black beans and fresh cilantro, served with lime wedges for the perfect beans and rice.
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Make this easy weeknight rice dish! This one pot black beans and rice recipe is budget friendly, protein packed, and perfect for quick healthy rice meals or meal prep rice bowls.

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 smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

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, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano to the pot. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the rinsed black beans, rice, vegetable broth, and water. Add the salt and pepper.
  4. 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.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
  6. Fluff the rice mixture gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve immediately topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This makes a great protein packed vegetarian dinner.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, add 1/2 pound of cooked smoked sausage when you add the beans and rice.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk with the broth.
  • This recipe is excellent for batch cooking; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days for easy meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/easy-weeknight-beans-and-rice-recipe/