Savory Black Beans and Coconut Rice 🥥🌱

This delightful dish brings together the earthy flavors of black beans with the creamy, nutty notes of coconut rice. It's a vibrant and hearty meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The best part? You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!

Ingredients

For the coconut rice

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp lime zest (optional)

For the black beans

• 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

To make the coconut rice:

• In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

🥥 If you want a touch of sweetness, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar or a dash of vanilla extract to the rice mixture before cooking.

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and stir in lime zest if using.

To prepare the black beans:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).

• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

• Add the black beans, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

🌶️ For an extra kick, feel free to add a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onion and bell pepper!

To serve:

• Divide the coconut rice among plates, top with the black bean mixture, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

• Serve with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of flavor.

🍋 A squeeze of lime juice really brightens the flavors, so don’t skip this step!

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is naturally plant-based! Feel free to add diced tomatoes or corn for extra texture and flavor. 🌽
• Spicy: Add diced chipotle in adobo sauce for a smoky heat or use a spicy salsa on top.
• Protein-packed: Toss in some cooked quinoa or serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for an added protein boost.
• Mexican-style: Top with crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a delicious flavor contrast.

Enjoy this wholesome dish that celebrates the simplicity and richness of black beans and rice, perfect for any occasion! 😋🌿