Beans and rice are staple ingredients in many cultures around the world. They are not only delicious but also provide a great source of protein and carbohydrates. If you’re wondering what to cook with beans and rice, look no further! In this article, we will explore some mouthwatering recipes that you can try at home using these versatile ingredients.
1. Mexican Style Beans and Rice
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of long-grain white rice
– 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon of chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in the black beans, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot and garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
2. Cajun Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of long-grain white rice
– 1 can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 2 stalks of celery, diced
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
– A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the kidney beans, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to thicken the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the red beans over the cooked rice and enjoy!
3. Indian Style Rajma Masala with Basmati Rice
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of basmati rice
– 1 can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, pureed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1 green chili, slit
– 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon of garam masala
– 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
5. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili. Sauté for another minute.
6. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the mixture.
7. Add the garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and ground coriander. Cook for a few minutes.
8. Stir in the kidney beans and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve the rajma masala over the cooked basmati rice.
4. Mediterranean-style Chickpea and Rice Salad
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of cooked brown rice
– 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, chickpeas, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
4. Serve the Mediterranean-style chickpea and rice salad chilled as a refreshing and healthy meal.
5. Asian-inspired Stir-Fried Green Beans and Rice
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of cooked white rice
– 1 pound of green beans, trimmed
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the green beans and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the green beans and stir-fry for another minute until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve the stir-fried green beans over the cooked white rice for a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired meal.
Conclusion
Beans and rice are a dynamic duo in the kitchen. With their versatility, they can be transformed into a wide variety of delicious dishes from around the world. Whether you prefer Mexican, Cajun, Indian, Mediterranean, or Asian flavors, there is a recipe to suit every palate. So, the next time you’re wondering what to cook with beans and rice, try one of these delectable recipes and enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal!