Tampa Black Beans and Rice 🌱🍚

This hearty and flavorful dish is a perfect blend of black beans, rice, and spices, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. It's an excellent option for a weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings. Plus, it's easy to adapt to your dietary preferences—enjoy it as a vegan main course or as a flavorful side!

Ingredients

For the dish

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cans black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes with chili
• 1 can fiesta corn (optional)

Instructions

1. In a stockpot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil.
2. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the uncooked rice and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to slightly toast it.

🔥 Toasting the rice enhances its nuttiness and adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.

4. Pour in the vegetable broth, bringing it to a boil. Cover, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and add the ground cumin, cayenne pepper, black beans, and optional fiesta corn. Stir to combine.

🌶️ Adjust the cayenne pepper to your spice preference. For a milder dish, start with less and taste test!

6. Allow everything to sit for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful black beans and rice dish in bowls, topped with your favorite garnishes! Consider adding:

• Fresh cilantro 🌿
• A squeeze of lime 🍋
• Sliced avocado 🥑
• Shredded cheese (if not vegan) 🧀

Variations

• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños during the sautéing process for an extra kick! 🔥
• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but you can enhance it with plant-based toppings like cashew cream.
• One-pot meal: Skip the bowl, and serve directly from the pot for a rustic, family-style dinner.
• Meal prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep! Simply reheat and enjoy throughout the week.

Enjoy this comforting and nutritious dish that's sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds! 🌟🌶️