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Cilantro Lime Rice and Beans

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Fragrant long-grain rice simmered in vegetable broth, then folded with hearty black beans, fresh lime juice, zest, and loads of chopped cilantro for a bright, protein-packed side or light vegan main.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or water with ½ tsp salt)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained & rinsed
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lime (about 1 tsp)
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 Tbsp)
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro (packed)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Stir in rinsed rice; cook 1 – 2 minutes, stirring, until the grains look lightly toasted.
  3. Pour in vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 18 – 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  4. Uncover, fluff rice with a fork, and gently fold in black beans. Re-cover and let sit 5 minutes to warm the beans through.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve hot as a side or light main, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Swap in brown rice—extend simmer time to ~40 minutes and add ½ cup more broth.
  • For heat, sauté a minced jalapeño with the garlic.
  • This dish freezes well; cool completely, portion into freezer bags, and reheat with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime rice, black beans, vegan Mexican side, easy stovetop rice

Find it online: https://zesticook.com/cilantro-lime-rice-and-beans/