Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrition? Look no further than our tantalizing Black Beans with Saffron Rice! This vegetarian delight, featuring the earthy richness of black beans paired with the aromatic charm of saffron-infused rice, is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of only 30 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant meal in no time. Dive into the recipe that will transform your dinner table into a fiesta of flavors!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup saffron rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the black beans under cold water if using canned beans. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and then cook them according to package instructions until tender.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of saffron rice and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the rice is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cumin to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- If using cooked black beans, add them to the skillet now. If using canned beans, drain and rinse them first before adding. Stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables.
- Season the black bean mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
- Once the saffron rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and serve it on plates or in bowls. Top with the black bean mixture.
- Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
- Enjoy your delicious Black Beans with Saffron Rice!
Tips
- Soaking Dried Beans: If you're using dried black beans, soaking them overnight not only cuts down on cooking time but also enhances their flavor and texture. Don’t forget to rinse them thoroughly before cooking!
- Perfect Saffron Rice: To get the most out of your saffron, steep the threads in a little warm water before adding them to the rice. This will help release their vibrant color and unique flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the sauté mix, such as zucchini or corn, to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious!
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the black bean mixture for an extra kick.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro adds a wonderful brightness to the dish, but you can also try topping it with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors only get better as they sit!
- Serve with a Twist: For a fun twist, serve the black bean mixture in taco shells or over a bed of greens for a refreshing salad option.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delightful dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
