Rice and Beans: Dinner On The Table in 30 Minutes

I am always on the hunt for dinner recipes that take under 30 minutes. And dinner that's ready in 20 minutes? I'm sold. I mean, I typically only have about 22 minutes of uninterrupted toddler free time , thanks Daniel Tiger! So I'm always trying to find ways of getting delicious, healthy vegetarian dinners ready in 30 minutes or less.

One of our staples is Rice and Beans. This recipe fills you up and doesn't break the bank. It's super easy to prepare, especially when utilizing a rice cooker. It's a great base recipe and spicing it up, or mixing up the flavors, is a breeze.

Here's our typical go to Rice and Beans:

1.5 cups brown jasmine rice

1 can of black beans

1 small red onion diced

2 cloves minced garlic

fresh cilantro

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

salt & pepper to taste

squeeze of fresh lime

fresh green onion

1. Cook rice following directions on the back of the package. We use a rice cooker and it's amazing. I add water & rice, press a button, and viola! Rice is done in 20 minutes.

2. While rice cooks throw some olive oil in a large skillet/ wok and saute garlic and onions until browned/ slightly blackened. I like to cook over high heat to really sear the onions without making them too soft.

3. Rinse the black beans and add them to the onions. 

4. Add spices and mix well.

5. Add cooked rice into bean skillet and mix until rice is evenly spiced.

6. Add a squeeze of lime juice, fresh green onion and fresh cilantro.

Serve and enjoy!

Some other favorite add-ins for our rice and beans:

• Pineapple/mango, almonds & some cinnamon for more of a Jamaican jerk style rice& beans
• Andouille sausage (for me), green pepper, red pepper flakes & cayenne pepper for New Orleans style dish