Description
Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 2 limes
Zest of 1 lime
⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 green onion, sliced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Cook the rice: In a medium pot, combine rice, water (or broth), olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender (about 15 minutes for white rice or 40 minutes for brown rice). Fluff with a fork.
Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in a little olive oil for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add black beans: Stir in the black beans and cook until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the rice and beans: Combine the cooked rice with the black beans. Stir in lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro and green onion, and serve warm. Perfect as a side dish or a base for burrito bowls!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~220 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of liquid (water or broth), 1 tbsp of oil or butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Simmer: Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it simmer undisturbed. White rice typically takes 15-18 minutes; brown rice takes 40-45 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
3. Fluff and Rest: After the simmer time, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. Then, uncover and fluff the rice thoroughly with a fork to separate the grains.
4. Prepare the Beans: While the rice rests, heat a skillet over medium. Add a teaspoon of oil and sauté the minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the rinsed black beans, stirring gently until heated through. Season lightly.
5. Combine and Finish: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the warm rice and the bean-garlic mixture together. Drizzle with the fresh lime juice, add the lime zest and chopped cilantro. Fold gently to combine without mashing the beans. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish serves as a fantastic foundation. Use it as a hearty bed for grilled chicken, shrimp, or carnitas in a burrito bowl. Stuff it into bell peppers or burritos. For a simple meal, top with a fried egg, sliced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. It also pairs beautifully with fajitas or as a standalone light lunch.
How-to Summary
Cook rice with broth for flavor. Sauté garlic, warm beans. Gently combine rice and beans off the heat. Finish with fresh lime juice, zest, and cilantro. Adjust seasoning and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, but for best texture, store the components separately. Combine the rice and beans when ready to serve, then add the fresh lime and cilantro.
How do I prevent mushy rice? Use the correct water-to-rice ratio (2:1 for long-grain) and avoid stirring while cooking. Letting it rest covered off the heat is crucial for perfect texture.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried? Absolutely. Canned beans are perfect for this recipe. Just ensure you rinse and drain them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and the starchy canning liquid.
What can I substitute for cilantro? If you dislike cilantro, fresh parsley or chopped fresh spinach make excellent, mild alternatives. The lime flavor will still shine.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? You can freeze it, but the texture of the rice may become slightly softer upon reheating. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the garlic, which makes it bitter. Sauté just until fragrant.
- Adding the lime juice to the hot pot while cooking the rice, which can make it bitter. Always add fresh citrus off the heat.
- Not rinsing canned black beans, leaving a slimy texture.
- Stirring the rice while it simmers, which releases starch and creates a gummy consistency.
- Using bottled lime juice instead of fresh. The bright, fresh flavor is irreplaceable here.
Conclusion
Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans is more than a simple side dish; it’s a flavorful, protein-packed staple that brings vibrant freshness to any meal. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Its flexibility for meal prep and various serving styles makes it a reliable go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Enjoy the bright, zesty results of this easy, healthy combination.