Rice Dish Rice & Bean Recipe
Make Rice Dish Rice & Bean Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Rice & Beans Base
Aromatics & Vegetables
Spices & Seasoning
Finishing & Optional Garnishes
Method
Rice & Beans Base
- 1
Rinse and measure rice
Place 1.5 cups long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear; drain well. This removes excess surface starch and prevents gummy rice.
- 2
Toast rice (optional)
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the drained rice and toast, stirring, for 2–3 minutes until grains are translucent at the edges and have a faint nutty aroma. Toasting improves texture and flavor.
- 3
Cook rice
Add 3 cups water and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the saucepan with the rice. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. After 15 minutes, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5–10 minutes to finish steaming.
- 4
Warm beans
While the rice cooks or while it rests, place 1 cup drained and rinsed black beans in a small saucepan over low heat with a pinch of salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin (from the Spices section). Warm gently for 5–7 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally. Do not mash; you want whole beans for texture.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 5
Prep aromatics
While rice is rinsing or cooking, finely dice 1 cup yellow onion and 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and mince 3 garlic cloves. Chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and cut the lime in half.
- 6
Sauté aromatics
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter or add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the red bell pepper and cook 2–3 minutes more. Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring, about 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- 7
Finishing & Garnish
- 8
Brighten and finish
Squeeze the juice of half to one lime (to taste) over the rice and beans mixture and stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. If desired, stir in an extra tablespoon of butter or olive oil for richness.
- 9
Plate and garnish
Serve the rice & beans hot, garnished with sliced green onions, additional cilantro, and sliced avocado if using. Offer lime wedges at the table for extra brightness.