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One-Skillet Spiced Kidney Beans and Rice

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A quick, flavorful, and hearty one-pan meal combining spiced kidney beans and fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190g)
  • 1 can (15oz / 425g) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (480ml)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Chop the onion and bell pepper finely, mince the garlic, and rinse the rice and kidney beans under cold water (5-7 minutes).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until softened and onion is translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat vegetables, then add tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to caramelize the paste.
  5. Stir in the rinsed rice and kidney beans, mixing thoroughly with the spiced vegetable mixture.
  6. Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, stir gently, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Turn off heat and let the skillet sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming the rice.
  8. Remove lid, fluff rice gently with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Rinse rice well before cooking to remove excess starch and keep grains fluffy. Use a tight-fitting lid to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice. If rice is undercooked and liquid is gone, add a splash of broth or water and cook a few more minutes. Adjust chili powder or add jalapeño for more heat. Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor but increase cooking time to 40-45 minutes and add extra broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: kidney beans, rice, one skillet, quick meal, easy dinner, spiced beans, weeknight recipe, meal prep, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/one-skillet-spiced-kidney-beans-and-rice-easy-recipe-for-quick-homemade-meal/