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Easy Flavor-Packed Spanish Rice and Beans Recipe Under 1 Dollar

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A quick, budget-friendly Spanish rice and beans recipe that is flavorful, comforting, and made with simple pantry staples. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 185g, prefer basmati)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ cup tomato sauce (about 120ml)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water (480ml)
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz / 425g), drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 small yellow onion and mince 2 garlic cloves. Drain and rinse 1 can of black beans. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice and stir frequently until rice turns light golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add chopped onion to the toasted rice and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in ½ cup tomato sauce and 2 cups vegetable broth or water. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the skillet. Add 1 teaspoon salt or to taste.
  5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 15-18 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove lid and gently fold in drained black beans. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes to warm beans and meld flavors.
  7. Remove from heat and let rice rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Toast the rice first to add nuttiness and keep grains separate. Bloom spices in oil for full flavor. Avoid lifting lid during simmer to ensure fluffy rice. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and canned flavor. Add fresh lime juice at the end for brightness. If rice is firm after cooking, add a splash of water and steam a few more minutes. Reduce salt if broth is salty.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spanish rice, beans, budget meal, easy recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/easy-flavor-packed-spanish-rice-and-beans-recipe-under-1-dollar/