Black Bean Rice Bowl (Printable)
Tender spiced black beans over fluffy rice, topped with avocado, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro for a nourishing meal.
# What You Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Black Beans
04 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Toppings
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1 ripe avocado, sliced
15 - 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh, canned, or thawed frozen
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
18 - 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
19 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How-To:
01 - Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover tightly, and simmer until grains are tender and liquid is fully absorbed, approximately 15 to 18 minutes for white rice or 35 to 40 minutes for brown rice. Remove from heat, fluff gently with a fork, and keep covered until ready to serve.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Add drained black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir to coat beans evenly in spices and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are heated through and flavors have melded.
03 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four serving bowls. Spoon a generous portion of seasoned black beans over the rice in each bowl. Arrange cherry tomato halves, avocado slices, corn kernels, chopped cilantro, shredded red cabbage, and sliced jalapeños on top of each bowl.
04 - Squeeze fresh lime wedges over each assembled bowl immediately before serving to brighten the flavors. Serve promptly.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It is one of those rare meals that actually tastes better than it looks, and it looks stunning.
- Everything comes together with pantry staples and whatever fresh toppings you have lingering in the fridge.
02 -
- Do not lift the lid on your rice while it cooks, because every peek lets steam escape and lengthens the cooking time.
- Letting the beans sit in the spices for a full five minutes before serving is the difference between good and unforgettable.
03 -
- Toasting the cumin and smoked paprika in the oil for thirty seconds before adding the beans intensifies their flavor dramatically.
- A handful of crushed tortilla chips on top gives you crunch and makes the whole bowl feel like a celebration.