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The Easiest Rice and Beans

one-pot

The Easiest Rice and Beans

An adaptable, one-pot rice and beans recipe enhanced with quick-pickled jalapeños for heat and brightness.

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Total

30 min

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Ingredients

Serves4
  • 2 countJalapeños1 thinly sliced, 1 finely diced, seeded if preferred
  • 1 countLimehalved
  • 1 1/2 tspKosher saltplus more to taste
  • 1 pinchSugaror drizzle of honey/agave
  • 2 tbspExtra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 largeRed Onionchopped
  • 1 bunchfresh cilantroleaves and stems separated, finely chopped
  • 1 pinchBlack Pepperto taste
  • 4 countGarlic clovesminced or finely grated
  • 1 tbspTomato Paste
  • 2 tspChili Powder
  • 1 tspGround Cuminor coriander
  • 1 tspdried oregano
  • 2 cupvegetable stockor water
  • 31 ozBlack Beansdrained and rinsed
  • 1 cuplong-grain white rice
  • 1 to tastehot sauceoptional for serving
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Cooking Instructions

  1. 1

    Pickle the Jalapeños

    Place the sliced jalapeño in a small bowl and squeeze in enough lime juice to cover it. Add a pinch each of salt and sugar. Let sit at room temperature while you make the rice. (Pickle ahead 3-5 days for deeper flavor.)
    Tip: Use pickling liquid as a zesty drizzle for garnish.
  2. 2

    Start the Aromatics

    In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion, diced jalapeño, cilantro stems, salt, and pepper. Sauté until tender (3–4 min). Add garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook until fragrant (1–2 min).
    Cleanup: Scrape any browning for easy cleanup.
  3. 3

    Add the Rice and Beans

    Stir in stock, beans, rice, and 1½ tsp salt. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 16–18 min until rice is tender.
    Tip: Sub ½ cup stock with salsa for tangy brightness.
  4. 4

    Rest and Fluff

    Remove from heat, wrap a clean towel around the lid, and let sit for 5 min. Fluff rice with a fork. Stir in chopped cilantro leaves. Adjust salt if needed.
    Cleanup: Use towel to wipe condensation.
  5. 5

    Serve

    Top bowls of rice and beans with pickled jalapeños, pickling liquid, and hot sauce, if desired.

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