How to make beans and rice actually taste good | Budget Meals that don't suck & save a ton of money
Recipes in this Video
Beans and Rice is a staple dish in Nigeria, often enjoyed for its simplicity and nutritional value. Traditionally served during gatherings and celebrations, it symbolizes community and sharing. In modern cuisine, variations exist across cultures, with many incorporating different spices and ingredients, making it a beloved dish worldwide.
Ingredients
- ●beans
- ●rice
- ●onion
- ●bell pepper
- ●tomato
- ●garlic
- ●ginger
- ●vegetable oil
- ●seasoning cube
- ●salt
- ●water
- ●bay leaves
- ●scotch bonnet pepper
- ●coriander
- ●thyme
Instructions
- 1Soak beans in water for 1-2 hours to soften.
- 2Drain the soaked beans and place them in a pot.
- 3Add fresh water to the pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- 4Cook beans until tender, about 30-40 minutes, then drain.
- 5In a separate pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- 6Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 7Stir in minced garlic, ginger, and chopped bell pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- 8Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 9Mix in the cooked beans and rice, stirring to combine.
- 10Add water as needed, along with seasoning cube, salt, and bay leaves.
- 11Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked through.
- 12Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.
- 13Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
beans
Healthier: lentils
Cheaper: split peas
Lentils provide similar protein and fiber, while split peas are often more affordable.
vegetable oil
Healthier: olive oil
Cheaper: sunflower oil
Olive oil offers healthier fats, while sunflower oil is budget-friendly.
scotch bonnet pepper
Healthier: jalapeño
Cheaper: green chili
Jalapeños provide heat with less intensity, while green chili is more economical.
seasoning cube
Healthier: homemade spice blend
Cheaper: salt
A homemade blend can be healthier and cheaper than store-bought cubes.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●1 cup long-grain white rice
- ●2 cups vegetable broth
- ●1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ●1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ●1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- ●1/2 cup diced onion
- ●1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ●1/2 tsp cumin
- ●1/2 tsp chili powder
- ●1/4 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●1 tbsp olive oil
- ●1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- 1In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- 2Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 3Stir in the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
- 4Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the spices and oil.
- 5Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- 6Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- 7In a separate bowl, combine the black beans and diced tomatoes.
- 8Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the black bean and tomato mixture.
- 9Add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and well combined.
- 10Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Equipment
Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originated in Delhi, India, in the 1950s. It was created by the chefs at the Moti Mahal restaurant, who used leftover chicken in a rich, buttery tomato sauce. This dish has since become a staple in Indian cuisine, celebrated for its creamy texture and aromatic spices. It's often served with naan or rice and is popular in Indian restaurants worldwide.
Ingredients
- ●chicken
- ●butter
- ●cream
- ●tomatoes
- ●onions
- ●garlic
- ●ginger
- ●spices
Instructions
- 1Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices for at least an hour.
- 2Heat butter in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
- 3Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- 4Stir in tomatoes and simmer until soft.
- 5Blend the mixture into a smooth sauce.
- 6Return the sauce to the pan, add cream, and simmer.
- 7Add marinated chicken and cook until done.
Ingredient Alternatives
butter
Healthier: ghee
Cheaper: margarine
Ghee is a healthier fat option, while margarine is often more affordable.
cream
Healthier: coconut milk
Cheaper: evaporated milk
Coconut milk is lower in calories and adds flavor; evaporated milk is budget-friendly.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Honey Garlic Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its sweet and savory flavor profile. It is often served in restaurants and is a favorite for home cooking due to its simplicity and quick preparation. The dish highlights the use of honey and garlic, which are staples in many Asian dishes, providing a balance of flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates.
Ingredients
- ●chicken thighs
- ●honey
- ●garlic
- ●soy sauce
- ●ginger
- ●vegetable oil
- ●green onions
- ●sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
- 2Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- 3Add marinated chicken thighs to the pan, cooking until browned on both sides.
- 4Pour remaining marinade over the chicken and reduce heat to medium.
- 5Cook until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- 6Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
chicken thighs
Healthier: chicken breast
Cheaper: chicken drumsticks
Chicken breast is leaner, while drumsticks are often more affordable.
honey
Healthier: maple syrup
Cheaper: agave syrup
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener, while agave is often cheaper.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Originating from Mexico, beans and rice are staples in the diet, often served together as a complete protein. This dish reflects the resourcefulness of Mexican cuisine, utilizing simple ingredients to create hearty meals. Today, variations exist across Latin America and the United States, with each region adding its unique flavors and ingredients.
Ingredients
- ●long-grain rice
- ●black beans
- ●onion
- ●garlic
- ●bell pepper
- ●cumin
- ●chili powder
- ●lime
- ●cilantro
- ●vegetable broth
- ●olive oil
- ●salt
- ●pepper
- ●avocado
- ●tomato
Instructions
- 1Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- 2Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- 3Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 5Stir in cumin and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds to toast spices.
- 6Add rinsed rice and stir to coat in oil and spices.
- 7Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- 8Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- 9Meanwhile, rinse and drain black beans.
- 10Once rice is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in black beans.
- 11Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and add chopped cilantro.
- 12Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 13Serve warm, garnished with avocado and diced tomato.
Ingredient Alternatives
black beans
Healthier: pinto beans
Cheaper: canned beans
Canned beans are more affordable and still nutritious.
long-grain rice
Healthier: quinoa
Cheaper: white rice
Quinoa offers more protein while white rice is budget-friendly.
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: canola oil
Canola oil is less expensive and versatile.
vegetable broth
Healthier: water
Cheaper: chicken broth
Using water reduces sodium and cost.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●1 cup dried red beans
- ●4 cups water
- ●1 cup long-grain white rice
- ●1 medium onion, chopped
- ●1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1 tsp dried thyme
- ●1 tsp paprika
- ●1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●2 tbsp olive oil
- ●2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1Rinse the dried red beans under cold water and soak them overnight in a large bowl with enough water to cover them.
- 2The next day, drain the beans and place them in a large pot with 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until tender.
- 3In a separate pot, cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside when done.
- 4In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 5Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 6Once the beans are tender, drain them and add them to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 7Serve the red beans mixture over a bed of rice.
- 8Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Equipment
Originating from Jamaica, Rice and Peas is a staple dish often served alongside meats and is a favorite at family gatherings and celebrations. The dish showcases the island's love for bold flavors, with coconut milk and spices creating a rich, comforting meal. Today, it is enjoyed not only in Jamaica but also in Caribbean communities worldwide, often adapted with local ingredients.
Ingredients
- ●long-grain rice
- ●canned kidney beans
- ●coconut milk
- ●water
- ●green onions
- ●garlic
- ●thyme
- ●allspice
- ●scotch bonnet pepper
- ●salt
- ●black pepper
- ●lime juice
- ●bay leaves
- ●butter
Instructions
- 1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- 2In a large pot, combine coconut milk, water, and drained kidney beans.
- 3Add green onions, garlic, thyme, allspice, scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot.
- 4Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- 5Stir in the rinsed rice and bay leaves.
- 6Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
- 7Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- 8Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and butter.
- 9Discard the scotch bonnet pepper and bay leaves before serving.
Ingredients
- ●2 cups cooked rice
- ●2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ●1 can cream of chicken soup
- ●1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- 3Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- 4Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 5Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- 6Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- 7Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 8Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- 9Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
Rice casserole is a comforting dish that has its roots in American home cooking, often served at family gatherings and potlucks. This dish showcases the versatility of rice, combined with various proteins and vegetables, making it a staple for busy weeknights. While traditional recipes often include cream soups, modern variations might use fresh ingredients or alternative sauces, reflecting a shift towards healthier cooking.
Ingredients
- ●rice
- ●chicken
- ●cream of mushroom soup
- ●onion
- ●bell pepper
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●garlic
- ●broth
- ●peas
- ●carrots
- ●black pepper
- ●salt
- ●olive oil
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2Cook rice according to package instructions until tender.
- 3In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.
- 4Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 5In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, broth, and cooked chicken.
- 6Stir in peas, carrots, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- 7Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- 8Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- 9Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 10Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- 11Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Ingredient Alternatives
cream of mushroom soup
Healthier: homemade mushroom sauce
Cheaper: cream of chicken soup
Homemade sauce can reduce preservatives and calories.
cheddar cheese
Healthier: reduced-fat cheese
Cheaper: processed cheese
Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.
chicken
Healthier: turkey
Cheaper: canned chicken
Turkey is leaner, and canned chicken is a budget-friendly option.
olive oil
Healthier: avocado oil
Cheaper: vegetable oil
Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is often less expensive.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a popular dish in many Balkan countries, known for its simplicity and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- ●1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- ●1 cup long-grain rice
- ●2 cups chicken broth
- ●1 medium onion, chopped
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1 cup frozen peas
- ●1 tsp paprika
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/2 tsp black pepper
- ●2 tbsp olive oil
- ●1/2 tsp dried thyme
- ●1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and oregano.
- 3Add the chicken to the pot and brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 4In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5Add the rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
- 6Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- 7Return the chicken to the pot, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- 8After 20 minutes, add the frozen peas, stir gently, and cover again. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- 9Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
Burrito bowls originated in the United States as a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of burritos without the tortilla. They celebrate the vibrant ingredients of Mexican cuisine, allowing for customization and creativity. Popular in fast-casual dining, burrito bowls have gained worldwide popularity, often adapted to local tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- ●rice
- ●black beans
- ●grilled chicken
- ●bell peppers
- ●onion
- ●corn
- ●avocado
- ●sour cream
- ●cheddar cheese
- ●cilantro
- ●lime
- ●jalapeños
- ●salsa
- ●taco seasoning
- ●olive oil
Instructions
- 1Cook rice according to package instructions until tender.
- 2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- 3Sauté chopped onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Add grilled chicken and taco seasoning to the skillet; cook until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- 5In a bowl, layer cooked rice as the base.
- 6Add black beans and corn on top of the rice.
- 7Spoon the sautéed chicken and vegetables over the beans and corn.
- 8Top with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
- 9Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.
- 10Drizzle with lime juice and add sliced jalapeños if desired.
- 11Serve with salsa on the side.
Ingredient Alternatives
sour cream
Healthier: Greek yogurt
Cheaper: creme fraiche
Greek yogurt lowers fat while adding creaminess.
grilled chicken
Healthier: tofu
Cheaper: canned beans
Tofu is plant-based and lower in calories.
cheddar cheese
Healthier: nutritional yeast
Cheaper: processed cheese
Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and adds umami.
taco seasoning
Healthier: homemade spice blend
Cheaper: individual spices
Homemade blends can be tailored to taste.
Techniques
Equipment
Also Known As
Ingredients
- ●1 cup long-grain rice
- ●2 cups chicken broth
- ●1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- ●1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- ●1 medium onion, chopped
- ●2 cloves garlic, minced
- ●1 bell pepper, chopped
- ●1 tsp cumin
- ●1 tsp paprika
- ●1/2 tsp salt
- ●1/4 tsp black pepper
- ●2 tbsp olive oil
- ●1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 2Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- 4In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- 5Stir in the rice, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 6Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- 7Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- 8Add the black beans and cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through, about 3-5 minutes.
- 9Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
- 10Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment
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