Description
This Savory Spanish Rice and Beans recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. Combining aromatic sautéed vegetables, fragrant spices, tangy salsa, and hearty kidney beans, this dish delivers warmth and a satisfying texture, all cooked together in a single skillet for ease and convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 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
Grains & Liquids
- 1 ½ cups long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth
- 1 ¼ cups salsa
Beans & Extras
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup green olives, halved (optional)
- Fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the Rice: Place the rice in a bowl and cover with cold or lukewarm water. Let it soak for at least 10 minutes to improve texture. Drain and set aside while preparing the vegetables.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped red bell pepper, sautéing for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic along with all spices (cumin, sweet paprika, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes), cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Boil: Add soaked rice, salsa, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, adjusting liquid if necessary depending on the rice type to ensure proper cooking.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet or pot with a lid, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, and let it simmer undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid or stirring to allow the rice to absorb liquids fully and become tender.
- Season to Taste: After simmering, turn off the heat and remove the lid. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, black pepper, additional cumin, or red pepper flakes as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Mix in the Beans: Gently fold in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and optional green olives to warm through without mashing. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley to add brightness and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the rice is optional but helps achieve a fluffier texture.
- You can substitute kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
- Add more vegetable broth if you prefer a moister dish or if using a different rice variety.
- Green olives add a nice briny contrast but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Keep the lid on during simmering to ensure proper steaming and cooking of rice.
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken or tofu.
