I love simple, delicious recipes that use ingredients I always have on hand. This black bean recipe fits the bill.
Beans are the Bomb
Beans are great to incorporate into meals. They are full of fiber and protein. This plant -based protein boasts 15 grams of protein per one cup of cooked black beans.
While beans are not a complete protein in and of themselves, pairing them with rice makes them one. They are perfectly paired in flavor as well as nutrition.
Fresh Garlic is the Bomb
This meal comes together so quickly and it always smells delicious while it is cooking.
Fresh garlic is so great in this recipe. As handy as those little jars of minced garlic are, the health benefits of fresh garlic are so numerous that it would be better to invest in a little garlic mincer and take the time to peel and chop your own garlic.
Fresh Garlic Has the Skills to Pay the Bills
Garlic has been used for centuries to cure all sorts of ailments- from digestive issues to brain fog – it is a mighty little vegetable. Most of the reasons to use garlic given in the olden days have now been backed by science – even warding off vampires! Wink, wink!
The garlic in the recipe adds great flavor. As a reminder, it is worth the time to chop some up fresh.
What to Serve it With?
This is delicious with white or brown rice. It would even be great with quinoa or riced cauliflower.
Black Beans and Rice is great by itself but can easily be paired with a quick side salad, some cut up cucumbers or diced fruit.
Black Beans and Rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 – 15 oz cans of black beans, drained (about 4 1/2 cups)
1 – 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
1- 8 oz or 15 oz can tomato sauce (depending on how saucey you want the beans)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions
In a medium sized saucepan, heat the oil. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Saute until they are soft. Next, add the garlic and saute, stirring often. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the mixture has slightly thickened. Top with cilantro if desired. Serve over hot brown, white rice or quinoa.
