Black Bean Rice Bowl (Printable version)
Tender black beans over fluffy rice with avocado, tomatoes, and corn for a wholesome weeknight bowl.
# What you'll need:
→ Rice
01 - 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Black Beans
04 - 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
→ Toppings
14 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
15 - 1 avocado, diced
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1/2 cup fresh or frozen sweet corn, thawed if frozen
18 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
19 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
20 - Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños
# Directions:
01 - Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, 2 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes for white rice or 35–40 minutes for brown rice, until all the water is absorbed and the grains are tender. Remove from heat and fluff gently with a fork.
02 - While the rice simmers, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the drained black beans, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 cup vegetable broth. Simmer for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through and the liquid has slightly thickened.
03 - Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Spoon the seasoned black bean mixture generously over each portion of rice. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, sweet corn, finely chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro on top. Add shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
04 - Squeeze a lime wedge over each assembled bowl just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under forty minutes using mostly pantry staples you probably already have.
- The toppings are completely flexible so everyone at the table can build their own perfect bowl.
02 -
- Do not lift the lid on your rice while it simmers because every peek releases steam and延长s the cooking time.
- Mashing a small handful of beans against the side of the skillet creates a naturally thicker sauce without adding anything extra.
03 -
- Toast the cumin in the dry skillet for thirty seconds before adding oil to bloom its flavor dramatically.
- Cooking the rice in vegetable broth instead of water is the easiest upgrade you will ever make.