Black Bean and Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

Seasoned black beans and fluffy rice topped with avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro for a satisfying meal.

# What You Need:

→ Rice

01 - 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Black Beans

04 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Toppings

12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1 avocado, diced
14 - 1/2 cup corn (fresh or thawed from frozen)
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
17 - 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta (optional)
18 - 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Rinse rice under cold water until the runoff runs clear. Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed — about 15 minutes for white rice or 30 minutes for brown rice. Remove from heat and fluff gently with a fork.
02 - While the rice simmers, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the drained black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat evenly and cook until the beans are heated through, 5 to 7 minutes.
03 - Divide the cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Spoon the seasoned black beans over each portion of rice. Arrange cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, corn, and chopped cilantro on top. Add crumbled queso fresco or feta and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Squeeze a fresh lime wedge over each bowl.
04 - Serve immediately while warm, with additional lime wedges on the side. For extra heat, offer sliced jalapeños or hot sauce alongside.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It costs almost nothing to make yet tastes like you spent hours on it.
  • The smoky paprika and fresh lime together create a flavor punch that keeps you going back for another bite.
  • Everything comes together in under forty minutes with one pan and one pot.
02 -
  • Opening the lid on simmering rice lets steam escape and you will end up with crunchy grains in the center.
  • Adding the spices to the onion and garlic for thirty seconds before the beans go in blooms their oils and doubles the flavor.
03 -
  • Mash about a quarter of the beans with the back of your spoon while they cook to create a thick saucy base that clings to the rice.
  • Warm your bowls in a low oven for five minutes before assembling so the food stays hot longer at the table.

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