Print

Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans

cilantro lime rice with black beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, easy, and wholesome side dish featuring fluffy long-grain white rice, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and warm black beans seasoned with cumin and garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice, rinsed well
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed (or cooked homemade beans)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (about one small bunch)
  • Juice of 2 medium limes (about 3 tablespoons), freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 3/4 cups (415 ml) water or low-sodium vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, about 2 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with oil and garlic.
  4. Pour in 1 3/4 cups water or vegetable broth, add 1 teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to steam fully.
  7. While the rice cooks, drain and rinse black beans. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add beans with 1/2 teaspoon cumin, a pinch of black pepper, and a splash of water. Warm for 3-5 minutes, stirring gently.
  8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then add the warmed black beans. Toss carefully to combine without mashing.
  9. Squeeze juice from 2 medium limes over the rice and bean mixture. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  10. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed.
  11. Serve immediately, drizzling a little olive oil on top and garnishing with extra cilantro leaves if desired.

Notes

Rinsing the rice until water runs clear is key to fluffy rice. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. Warm beans gently with cumin to deepen flavor without overpowering. Avoid stirring too vigorously after adding beans to prevent mushy texture. Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge; reheat with a splash of water and fluff gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime rice, black beans, easy recipe, healthy side dish, vegan, gluten-free, quick meal

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/fresh-cilantro-lime-rice-with-black-beans-easy-healthy-recipe-guide/