Description
This flavorful Black Beans and Rice recipe combines aromatic sofrito, tender black beans, and fluffy long grain rice to create a classic and comforting dish perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish offers a delicious taste of traditional Latin American cuisine in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sofrito (store-bought or homemade, frozen works well)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups long grain rice (preferably Carolina rice)
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1 packet Sazon with achiote (or 1/2 tablespoon homemade sazon seasoning)
- 1 large vegetable or chicken bouillon cube (such as Maggi)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Sauté Sofrito: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of sofrito and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and slightly softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Beans and Rice: Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans along with 2 cups of long grain rice. Mix them well with the sofrito and oil to combine all flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in 3 1/2 cups of water. Add 1 packet of Sazon with achiote, 1 large bouillon cube, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the mixture.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it cook until the liquid is mostly absorbed and just barely covers the top of the rice—this usually takes a few minutes.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. Allow the rice and beans to simmer gently for 15 minutes, letting the rice cook fully and absorb all the flavors.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let it rest for 5 to 8 minutes to allow the rice to steam and set. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and mix in the beans evenly.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable bouillon cube with chicken for added flavor if not vegetarian.
- Sofrito can be homemade or store-bought; freezing portions makes it easy to use for multiple recipes.
- Using Carolina rice ensures a fluffy, separate grain texture preferred in this dish.
- Adjust salt according to taste after cooking.
- This recipe makes a great side or can be a standalone meal with added protein.
