Black Beans and Cilantro Lime Rice
For the cilantro lime rice, I'm using basmati rice but you can use any rice you want. I also cook it in my instant pot (pressure cooker) but you can cook yours in a rice cooker or on the stovetop.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the cilantro lime rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter added for flavor
- zest from 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped + more if desired
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice + more if desired
- kosher salt to taste
For the black beans:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 small to medium sized onion chopped fine
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 heaping teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 to 4 cups water enough to cover the beans
- fresh lime juice to taste
- salt and pepper to taste
To serve:
- sautéed or grilled vegetables
- salsa
- more fresh cilantro for garnish
- tortilla chips
Instructions
For the cilantro lime rice:
- I cook my rice using my instant pot but cook your rice however you prefer. Add the rice and water into your instant pot insert and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes + allow for a 10 minute natural release when the rice is finished cooking. Open the lid carefully and set aside. Immediately remove the rice from the insert and into a mixing bowl.
- While still hot, add the butter and mix to combine. Next, add the lime zest, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Mix together and taste and adjust anything as needed.
For the black beans:
- While your rice is cooking, start on your beans. In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano and bay leaves. Pour in the water and cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat; discard the bay leaves. Add the lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust any ingredients as needed.
- To serve: plate the rice and the beans and top with sautéed or grilled vegetables. Add some salsa and more fresh cilantro if desired and serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!