Spanish Rice and Beans

4.89 from 60 votes

Healthy, hearty, and full of flavor, this Spanish Rice and Beans is one of my favorite 30 minute, one pan recipes. Add chicken or shrimp or serve it as a vegetarian main with a green salad on the side.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Spanish

Servings:

Author: Suzy Karadsheh

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, cored and chopped
Kosher salt
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
2 cups basmati rice or similar long grain rice, rinsed very well
2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/3 cup sliced green olives, optional, for garnish
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, optional, for garnish

Instructions

Saute the onion and pepper: In a large, deep pan heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chopped onion, chopped bell pepper and season with a big pinch of kosher salt. Cook, tossing regularly until the vegetables soften a bit.
Add the garlic and spices: Add the garlic, paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 more seconds.
Add the rice, beans and tomatoes: Add the rice and season with another pinch of kosher salt. Toss to combine, then add the beans and fire roasted tomatoes. In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, mix the tomato paste and broth together, then add it to the rice mixture.
Boil then simmer: Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. You want it to simmer gently. Cover with a tight fitting lid and allow the rice to cook until its tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with the olives and parsley, if using, and serve.

Video

Notes

Leftovers? Cover, refrigerate, and turn this Spanish rice and beans into a delicious and healthy bowl for lunch the next day.
On rinsing rice: Rinsing your rice may seem like an extra step, but I promise it’s worth it! You want each grain of rice to be nicely cooked without clumping, so you’ll need to remove the starch. Make sure to rinse your rice until the water runs clear.
Visit our shop to find my favorite high quality spices and olive oil for this dish, including sweet Spanish paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, and extra virgin olive oil.

Nutrition

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