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DinnerMain Course

Mexican-Inspired Vegan Rice and Beans

This hearty vegan rice and beans dish is packed with flavor from aromatic vegetables and spices. It's a complete meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
55 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
385 kcal
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VeganVegetarianGluten-free
Mexican-Inspired Vegan Rice and Beans

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 pcsbell pepper, diced
  • 3 clovegarlic, minced
  • 1 tspcumin
  • 1 tspchili powder
  • 0.5 tspsmoked paprika
  • 1 cuplong-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2 cupvegetable broth
  • 425 gcanned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 411 gcanned diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper

garnish

  • 0.25 cupfresh cilantro, chopped(optional)
  • 0.5 pcslime, cut into wedges(optional)

Equipment

large pot · measuring cups · knife · cutting board · dutch oven · measuring spoons · wooden spoon

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

    About 1 min

  2. 2

    Add the yellow onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

    About 7 min

  3. 3

    Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.

  4. 4

    Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

    About 1 min

  5. 5

    Add the rinsed long-grain rice, vegetable broth, canned black beans, canned diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the pot.

  6. 6

    Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

    About 2 min

  7. 7

    Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

    About 25 min

    Cook’s note: Do not lift the lid during simmering to ensure even cooking.

  8. 8

    Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: This resting period allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffier.

  9. 9

    Fluff the rice and beans with a fork.

    About 1 min

  10. 10

    Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
384.8kcal
Protein
11.5g
Carbs
66g
Fat
8.3g
Fibre
7.3g
Sugar
8.2g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover rice and beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.

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