Brown Rice and Beans Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Meal

Brown rice and beans is a classic combination that has fueled cultures around the world for centuries. This hearty and wholesome vegan dish is not only packed with nutrients but also incredibly versatile and budget-friendly.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just looking to add more meatless meals to your routine, this brown rice and beans recipe offers a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, making it a perfect staple for any meal.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to prepare perfectly cooked brown rice paired with flavorful beans seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs. You’ll learn tips to enhance the texture and taste, as well as variations to keep this dish exciting week after week.

Plus, this dish pairs beautifully with many other vegan sides and mains, making it an excellent base for your culinary creativity!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brown rice and beans is a nutritious powerhouse, providing a complete protein source when combined. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

This recipe is incredibly easy to customize — you can swap beans, add veggies, or tweak the spices to match your preferences. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep because it stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this dish is budget-friendly and requires minimal ingredients and equipment.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice (long grain or short grain)
• 1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth for cooking rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or any neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of ½ lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid (for cooking rice)
• Medium skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer or colander (for rinsing beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the brown rice: Rinse 1 cup of brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rice and 1 ½ cups of water or vegetable broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
3. Sauté the aromatics: While the rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
5. Add the beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine rice and beans: Fluff the cooked brown rice with a fork, then gently fold it into the skillet with the beans and spices. Stir to combine well and heat through for another 2 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the juice of half a lime. This adds a bright, fresh note that lifts the flavors beautifully.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy your brown rice and beans warm as a main or side dish!

Tips & Variations

For fluffier rice, avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

• Try using different beans like kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas for variety.
• For extra veggies, add diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped tomatoes while sautéing the onions.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a flavor boost.
• Substitute brown rice with quinoa or farro if you want a change in texture and taste.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking rice to enhance the flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This brown rice and beans dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, steamed greens, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside vegan grilled tofu, tempeh, or seitan.

You can also spoon it into whole wheat tortillas for a delicious burrito or use it as a base for a Buddha bowl topped with avocado, salsa, and pickled onions.

For more vegan inspiration, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or explore the wholesome Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for extra plant-based variety.

Conclusion

This brown rice and beans vegan recipe is a fantastic addition to any plant-based cooking repertoire. It’s simple, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable to suit your taste buds or pantry staples.

Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals in advance, this dish delivers satisfying flavors and nourishing ingredients in every bite.

Give it a try today, and you might just find your new favorite comfort food. For other hearty, easy-to-make dishes, don’t forget to explore recipes like our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe (for non-vegans) or delicious vegan appetizers in the Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes collection.

Happy cooking!

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