Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
A hearty and comforting dish that combines smoky sausage, tender black beans, and fluffy rice, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans, canned or cooked (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 lb sausage (smoked or your preferred kind)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you like)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin and paprika, allowing those spices to bloom for another minute.
Cooking
- Add the rice, black beans, broth, and the previously cooked sausage back into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
For a vegetarian spin, substitute the sausage with a plant-based version or leave it out entirely. This dish is great for meal prep and holds up well in the fridge for up to five days.