Mexican-Inspired Rice and Beans


Recipe summary
A simple and healthy Mexican-inspired rice and beans dish that combines aromatic basmati rice with flavorful black beans, peppers, and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup / 200g White Basmati Rice (washed thoroughly with water)
- 2 Cups / 1 Can (540ml Can) Cooked Black Beans OR Pinto Beans (drained/rinsed)
- 3 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 +1/2 / 200g Cup Onion - Chopped
- 1 Cup / 150g Green Bell Pepper - Chopped
- 1 Cup / 150g Red Bell Pepper - Chopped
- 2 Tablespoon Garlic - finely chopped
- 3/4 Cup / 175ml Strained Tomatoes / Passata / Tomato Puree
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper or to taste
- 1 Cup / 125g Frozen Corn kernels (you can use fresh corn)
- 1 cup to 1+1/3 cup / 250 to 325ml Vegetable Broth
- Salt to Taste
- 1+1/2 cup / 100g Green Onion - chopped
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup / 20 to 30g Cilantro (Coriander leaves) or to taste - chopped
- OPTIONAL - Lime or Lemon juice to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Drizzle of extra virgin Olive oil
Method
- 1
Thoroughly wash the rice a few times until the water runs clear. Drain the black beans and set both aside.
- 2
Use a wide pot to cook the dish to ensure the rice cooks evenly without getting mushy.
- 3
Add olive oil, onion, red and green bell pepper, and salt to the heated pot. Fry on medium high heat until the onions and peppers start to brown.
- 4
Once the onion starts to brown, add garlic and fry for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- 5
Add strained tomatoes, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Mix well.
- 6
Add the washed rice, black beans, corn kernels, salt, and vegetable broth. Mix well.
- 7
Bring to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked but not mushy.
- 8
Uncover and turn off the heat. Add chopped green onion, cilantro, lemon juice, black pepper, and drizzle of olive oil. Mix very gently.
- 9
Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.






