Name: Nutrient-Packed Spanish Rice and Beans Recipe for Heart-Healthy Meals
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup long-grain rice (such as jasmine or basmati); 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15-ounce) can kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Nutrient-Packed Spanish Rice and Beans Recipe for Heart-Healthy Meals

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spanish Rice and Beans dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. It’s packed with fiber from the beans, rice, and veggies, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The combination of sweet paprika, cumin, and oregano gives the dish an aromatic and rich flavor that complements the rice and beans beautifully. Whether you’re following a vegan diet, looking for a heart-healthy meal, or simply craving something easy and delicious, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup long-grain rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
2 cups vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can kidney or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Nutrient-Packed Spanish Rice and Beans Recipe for Heart-Healthy Meals

Directions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Bloom the Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, sweet paprika, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their flavor.
Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice in the oil and spices. Toast for 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor of the rice.
Add Liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer the Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the Beans: Stir in the rinsed and drained beans, then cover and cook on low heat for 5 more minutes, allowing the beans to warm through.
Fluff and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Brown Rice: For extra fiber, use brown rice instead of white rice. You’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid (add an extra 1/4 cup of liquid and cook for about 40 minutes).
Add Spice: If you like a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or chili flakes to the sautéed vegetables.
Bean Variations: You can swap kidney or pinto beans for black beans, chickpeas, or any other bean variety you prefer.
Add Vegetables: Throw in some chopped zucchini, spinach, or corn for additional nutrition and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This Spanish Rice and Beans recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! If using brown rice, increase the cooking time to 40-45 minutes and add a bit more liquid, as brown rice requires longer to cook.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Absolutely! You can swap kidney beans for black beans, chickpeas, or any beans you like for different textures and flavors.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s a great meal for batch cooking or meal prep.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes! This Spanish Rice and Beans recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for storage. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Conclusion

This Nutrient-Packed Spanish Rice and Beans recipe is a quick, easy, and heart-healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Loaded with fiber, protein, and Mediterranean flavors, it’s the ideal dish for anyone looking for a wholesome, plant-based dinner. The combination of rice, beans, veggies, and aromatic spices makes this dish a satisfying and flavorful choice for any occasion. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal!