Pinto Beans & Rice...But Not How you Would Expect It

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and are often more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water

Using water is a cost-effective option.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: green onions

Green onions provide a fresh flavor at a lower cost.

Add 2 cups of vegetable broth into a saucepan.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads and season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Heat the broth on high heat until it comes to a boil.

Measure out 1 cup of long grain rice and rinse it under cold running water for 20 to 30 seconds until the water runs clear.

Once the broth boils, add the rinsed rice into the saucepan and mix it.

Place a lid on the pan, lower the heat to low medium, and simmer the rice for about 15 to 16 minutes.

In a large fry pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes.

Add 1 finely diced small onion, 1 finely chopped green bell pepper, 1 finely chopped carrot, and 4 roughly minced cloves of garlic to the pan.

Sauté the vegetables for about 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Add 1 teaspoon of sweet smoked spanish paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin to the vegetables and mix quickly to avoid bitterness.

Add 2 1/2 cups of cooked pinto beans that have been rinsed in a sieve, and season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Gently mix the beans with the vegetables to avoid breaking them apart.

Add 1 cup of vegetable broth to the bean mixture and simmer on medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes until most of the broth is absorbed.

Check the rice after 15 to 16 minutes to ensure all the broth is absorbed; let it sit with the lid on for 2 to 3 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish.

After 10 minutes of simmering, check the beans; they should be tender and the broth mostly absorbed.

Remove the pan from heat and serve the beans over the rice, garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary