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Fresh Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl Recipe Easy Zesty Black Bean Meal

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A quick and easy cilantro lime rice bowl with black beans, bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and perfect for a light, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 2 medium limes, juiced (plus zest from one lime)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup finely diced white onion (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and nutty.
  2. Add 2 cups (480 ml) water and ¼ teaspoon salt to the rice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  3. While rice cooks, heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and diced onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Stir in drained black beans and cook for 5 minutes, mashing some beans gently to create a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Remove rice from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and lime zest. Adjust salt if needed.
  6. Spoon cilantro lime rice into bowls, top with warm black beans and optional toppings like avocado slices and shredded cheese.
  7. Gently mix everything before serving to meld flavors.

Notes

Toast the rice before cooking to add a nutty flavor. Rinse rice before toasting to avoid stickiness. Mash some black beans for creamy texture but keep some whole for contrast. Adjust lime juice carefully to avoid overpowering the dish. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to keep rice fluffy.

Nutrition

Keywords: cilantro lime rice, black beans, rice bowl, easy dinner, quick meal, zesty, fresh, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/fresh-cilantro-lime-rice-bowl-recipe-easy-zesty-black-bean-meal/