Beans and Rice Recipe Vegan: Easy, Healthy, and Delicious

Beans and rice is a timeless, comforting combination that has been a staple in cuisines worldwide for centuries. This vegan version of the classic beans and rice recipe is not only hearty and flavorful but also incredibly nutritious and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins that will keep you satisfied and energized.

Using simple pantry staples like dried beans, rice, and a few fresh vegetables and spices, this dish comes together quickly yet delivers bold, rich flavors that make it feel like a special meal. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with various global flavors, making it a wonderful canvas for personalization.

Get ready to make a delicious, wholesome beans and rice vegan recipe that you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beans and rice is an unbeatable duo for creating a complete protein source, making it a perfect vegan meal to fuel your body. This recipe shines because it’s:

• Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals from whole plant foods.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry basics that are affordable and have a long shelf life.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite veggies, spices, or hot sauce to suit your palate.
• Comforting and filling: A hearty meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.

Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it’s a great base for exploring other delicious vegan dishes like the Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or the Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for a taste twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black beans (or 2 cups canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a nuttier flavor)
• 3 cups water (for cooking beans and rice)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf (if using dried beans)
• Juice of 1 lime (for finishing)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking beans and rice
• Colander (if using canned beans, to rinse)
• Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine sieve (optional, for rinsing rice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the beans: If using dried beans, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight or for at least 6 hours in plenty of water. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
2. Cook the beans: Add soaked beans to a large pot with 3 cups of fresh water and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 60-90 minutes until beans are tender but not mushy. If using canned beans, skip this step.
3. Cook the rice: While beans are cooking, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water to boil. Add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet or the same pot used for beans, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Add spices: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
6. Combine beans and veggies: Drain cooked beans (if using dried) and add them to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Mix beans and rice: Fold the cooked rice gently into the beans and vegetable mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Finish with lime and cilantro: Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast.
9. Serve hot: Enjoy your wholesome vegan beans and rice immediately, or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Tips & Variations

“For even more flavor, try cooking the beans with a piece of kombu seaweed or dried chipotle pepper to infuse a subtle umami or smoky taste.”

• Use canned beans: If short on time, canned beans are a great shortcut. Just rinse well to reduce sodium.
• Switch up the beans: Pinto, kidney, or chickpeas work wonderfully in place of black beans.
• Add veggies: Stir in corn, diced tomatoes, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
• Try different grains: Quinoa, bulgur, or brown rice add variety and texture.
• Batch cook: This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Nutrition Facts

This meal is balanced and nutrient-dense, offering a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it ideal for sustained energy and digestive health.

Serving Suggestions

Beans and rice is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a range of sides and toppings:

• Fresh avocado slices or guacamole for creaminess
• Pico de gallo or salsa fresca for a fresh zing
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or carrots
• A dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream for richness
• Warm corn or flour tortillas to make burrito bowls or wraps

For more complementary vegan recipes, check out the Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or try pairing this with the creamy Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Conclusion

This vegan beans and rice recipe is a true champion of plant-based cooking: simple, affordable, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that welcomes endless creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your own tastes and pantry.

Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or prepped ahead for busy days, it offers nourishing comfort with every bite. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy complete protein from plants, ensuring you stay satisfied and energized.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different beans, spices, and vegetables to keep this recipe fresh and exciting. For inspiration on other wholesome vegan meals, explore the delightful Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the easy-to-make Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to accompany your meals.

Cooking vegan has never been this delicious or accessible!

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