Easy Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans
Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans Recipe – Healthy, Delicious, and Super Filling!
As a great fan of both cilantro and Mexican rice recipes, I make my own Chipotle bowls at home. This cilantro, lime and black beans rice recipe is so addicting. Perfectly cooked rice with tasty black beans and a nice lemon, peppery and pungent flavor from the fresh cilantro leaves and lime zest and juice.
An easy, one pot rice and black beans recipe; a great gluten free vegan meal and the perfect side dish to serve with chicken, steaks or fish.
What makes this recipe healthy?
Rice and beans make a great nutritious combo; black beans are low in fat and packed with protein, vitamins and antioxidants, while rice remains a great source of a myriad of nutrients, such as, fiber and magnesium. This unique combo can improve blood pressure (compared to eating only rice) and reduce the risk of heart disease. Including both rice and black beans in one recipe, ensures a healthy, filling and complete meal.
Ingredients:
1 ½ cup long grain rice
14 ounces of cooked black beans (over 1 can)
1 ½ cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon lime zest
1 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons of lime juice
Instructions:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pan set over medium high heat, then add in the long grain rice. Make sure to stir the rice occasionally as it cooks to get a light and fluffy texture. Stir until it starts to brown.
Pour in the cup of water, add the salt and lime zest then bring to a boil. Use a lid to cover the pan, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Take off the lid to add the black beans, fresh cilantro and lime juice. Combine the ingredients, then cover the pot. Remove from the heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Top with some lime slices and freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Variations:
Which rice is best for this recipe? You can use any long grain rice you have at home. I personally like to work with Basmati rice or Long grain Jasmine rice. You can even use brown rice, if desired.
How to avoid burnt rice? If you don’t have a rice cooker and you’re cooking rice in a deep skillet or pan, then the crucial step here is to lower the flame and to keep the pot covered with a tight lid after adding the water or broth; this prevents the liquid from evaporating quickly to ensure a perfectly cooked rice. (avoid using a very loose lid).
Which black beans should I use? You can use whichever you prefer, dried or canned. If you’re using dried beans however, make sure to soak in water before cooking them.
What can I use as black beans substitute? If you’re not a fan of black beans, you can still use Pinto, kidney, or red beans. (You can also skip using the beans entirely, if you prefer).
Is it necessary to use fresh cilantro? One of the star ingredients in this recipe is cilantro and it’s best used fresh; it gives adds great flavor and releases a nice aroma in the dish.
Can I use a different herb? Even though the crucial ingredient for this recipe is the cilantro, but you can still swap it for some basil or parsley.
Should I use chicken broth or water? I prefer to cook the rice in water for this recipe, as the cilantro and lime impact greatly the plain taste of rice, but, there’s nothing wrong with using chicken or vegetables broth for an extra depth of flavor.
How can I reuse any leftovers? You can throw any leftovers in a salad or use in a burrito.
How can I serve this Cilantro Lime Rice with black beans Recipe?
Top this cilantro lime rice with black beans with some thin lime slices and serve as a stand-alone; it makes a delicious and filling vegetarian lunch or dinner. You can even have it for breakfast alongside some scrambled eggs or serve it as a side dish to accompany any grilled meat, chicken, fish or seafood. I personally love to serve this recipe alongside Tacos, Enchiladas, or burritos.
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup long grain rice
- 14 ounces of cooked black beans over 1 can
- 1 ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pan set over medium high heat, then add in the long grain rice. Make sure to stir the rice occasionally as it cooks to get a light and fluffy texture. Stir until it starts to brown.
- Pour in the cup of water, add the salt and lime zest then bring to a boil. Use a lid to cover the pan, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Take off the lid to add the black beans, fresh cilantro and lime juice. Combine the ingredients, then cover the pot. Remove from the heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Top with some lime slices and freshly chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
