Spanish Rice and Beans is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines simple ingredients for a satisfying meal. This recipe is not only vegan and gluten-free but also a great source of complete proteins, making it perfect for anyone looking for a hearty and healthy dish. It’s quick and easy to prepare in just one pot, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a filling side dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil (or veggie broth if avoiding oil)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp sweet paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 ½ cups (300 g) white rice, uncooked

• 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) vegetable broth

• 1 ¼ cups (300 g) salsa

• 1 (15 oz) can (270 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• ½ cup (65 g) green olives, halved (optional)

• Fresh herbs to garnish, e.g. cilantro or parsley

Directions

1. Soak Rice: Add the rice to a bowl with water and let it soak for at least 10 minutes (preferably 30 minutes), then discard the water.

2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil (or veggie broth) in a large skillet or pot. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and all spices, then sauté for another minute.

3. Cook Rice: Add the soaked rice, salsa, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer: Cover the skillet or pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes (or until rice is fully cooked). Do not uncover or stir during cooking. Cooking time will vary based on the rice variety.

5. Finish: Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and taste the dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed with salt, black pepper, cumin, or red pepper flakes. Stir in the beans and olives (if using). Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

6. Serve: Enjoy your Spanish rice and beans hot. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approx.)

• Calories: 363 kcal

• Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Carbohydrates: 68g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 7g

• Protein: 7g

Why Spanish Rice and Beans?

This dish has long been a staple in many cultures, particularly in Latin American and Spanish cuisine. It’s beloved for its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and adaptability. Combining rice and beans creates a nutritional powerhouse, as they form a complete protein—meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. This makes Spanish Rice and Beans a fantastic option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. A small list of ingredients, along with a single pot to cook everything in, means less time spent in the kitchen and less clean-up afterward. The vegetables and spices meld together beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. Whether enjoyed on its own, as a main dish, or as a hearty side, Spanish Rice and Beans has earned its place in many kitchens around the world.

Nutritional Benefits of Spanish Rice and Beans

Not only is Spanish Rice and Beans an easy, flavorful dish, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. With 7 grams of protein per serving, this dish is an excellent source of plant-based protein. Rice and beans together provide a complete protein source, making it a great option for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. The fiber content (4 grams per serving) helps promote digestive health, while the dish’s 7 grams of fat are healthy fats, primarily from the olive oil or vegetable broth used for cooking.

The combination of ingredients in this dish also offers other important vitamins and minerals. The tomatoes in the salsa and the vegetables contribute vitamins A and C, which support immunity and skin health. Additionally, kidney beans are rich in iron, which is essential for healthy blood circulation, and the green olives provide a small but significant amount of healthy fats.

For those mindful of their carb intake, the 68 grams of carbohydrates per serving come primarily from the rice, making this dish a great option for anyone looking for a source of complex carbs that will keep them full for longer.

How to Prepare Spanish Rice and Beans

The key to making perfect Spanish Rice and Beans lies in the layering of flavors. Let’s break down the preparation steps and why each one is crucial to creating a flavorful dish.

Soaking the Rice

While soaking rice is an optional step, it’s highly recommended for the best texture and cooking results. By soaking the rice for about 10 to 30 minutes before cooking, you allow the grains to absorb some water, making them cook faster and more evenly. This step helps ensure your rice is tender and fluffy, with no hard or crunchy pieces.

Sautéing Vegetables and Spices

Once the rice is ready to go, the next step is to sauté the vegetables and spices. The onions and red bell pepper serve as the aromatic base for the dish, offering a sweet, savory foundation. As you sauté the garlic and spices—cumin, paprika, oregano, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes—you’ll create a fragrant aroma that will infuse the entire dish. This step is essential for building layers of flavor that will make your Spanish Rice and Beans stand out.

The choice of spices gives this dish its unique flavor profile. Cumin and paprika bring a warm, earthy base, while the oregano adds an herbal note. The smoked paprika adds depth, and the red pepper flakes provide a touch of heat. You can always adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.

Cooking the Rice

After sautéing the vegetables and spices, the next step is to cook the rice. Add the soaked rice along with salsa and vegetable broth to the pot. The salsa brings an extra layer of flavor, and the vegetable broth helps to cook the rice while imparting a savory, rich taste. Bringing the mixture to a boil and then reducing the heat to simmer for 15-20 minutes ensures that the rice is cooked perfectly without being overdone or undercooked.

One of the secrets to successful rice dishes is to avoid stirring the rice while it’s cooking. This allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors without becoming mushy.

Adding Beans and Olives

Once the rice is cooked, it’s time to add the kidney beans and olives (if using). The kidney beans are a great source of protein and fiber, making them a key component of the dish. Stir the beans into the cooked rice and allow them to heat through. If you choose to add olives, they bring a touch of briny, savory flavor that complements the richness of the rice and beans. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley adds a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Adjusting Seasoning

Finally, once everything is combined, taste your Spanish Rice and Beans and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a little more depth, a touch of extra cumin or paprika will do the trick. Don’t forget to add a final sprinkle of salt and black pepper to balance out the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Spanish Rice and Beans is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. For a satisfying meal, enjoy it as a standalone dish with a side of fresh avocado or a simple green salad. It also works well as a side dish to accompany other Mexican or Latin-inspired meals, such as tacos, enchiladas, or grilled vegetables.

If you’re looking to make it a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein source like grilled tofu, tempeh, or a vegan meat substitute to further enhance the dish’s protein content. You can also serve it with a dollop of dairy-free sour cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Conclusion: A Wholesome, Flavorful Meal

Spanish Rice and Beans is the perfect combination of hearty, healthy, and flavorful. This dish offers a satisfying meal that can be made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. With its blend of spices, savory rice, and tender beans, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy, whether they follow a vegan or gluten-free diet or simply appreciate a delicious, plant-based meal.

Quick and easy to prepare, Spanish Rice and Beans is the ultimate go-to dish for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy, satisfying side to complement your main course. You’ll love the comforting flavors, the ease of preparation, and the many ways you can adapt it to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try, and it will surely become a family favorite!