Black Beans & Rice

Guys. It’s official: I’m obsessed with Netflix.

I’m a pretty big TV watcher. Regardless of what I’m doing, I almost always have the television on in the background. I wake up in the morning, flip on Food Network while I’m getting ready, keep it on when I’m doing homework or working on Fooduzzi, and watch it while I’m eating dinner. It’s mindless, and honestly, I only end up truly watching it about a quarter of the time anyway. Some may say that it rots brains, but silence is seriously deafening for me. That background white noise is like the cinnamon to my oatmeal – I need it to operate.

There is one show, however, that leaves me hanging onto every word: Parenthood. Not only did it introduce me to my favorite band (they used The Avett Brothers’ “Kick Drum Heart” in the first episode…I have been entirely obsessed since), but the storylines are so real and personal. The way the characters talk over each other is so true to life, I can imagine my crazy Italian family jumping into all of the conversations. I can’t pull myself away from the drama, the plots, or the characters. I seriously want to be a Braverman.

I was SO bummed that the show ended a few weeks ago. So many others are in this Parenthood-obsessed boat with me, so I was seriously surprised that they decided to call it quits. Regardless, I needed a little warm and comforting lovin’ to console me through the tear-jerking finale (seriously, I didn’t have a dry eye for an entire hour). Thus, this Black Beans & Rice Bowl was born.

Sweet, garlicky, warm, simple, and stupid flavorful; it’s exactly what the Parenthood Support Group ordered.

I’m a huge fan of black beans with their slight earthy flavor and creamy texture. Simmering the beans in minced garlic and diced vidalia onion? Heaven! It truly is amazing how much flavor can be extracted from these three simple ingredients. Black beans are a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians, so eat up! Garlic is filled with antibacterial and antiviral goodness; ergo, if you’re prone to the sniffles this time of year, garlic should be your BFF.

I adore brown rice. Not only is it high in protein, but its mouthfeel is on point. When I’m munching on brown rice, it quickly fills me up and leaves me totally satisfied. I love to cook a huge batch of this stuff and keep it as a quick entrée addition throughout the week. It’s nutty, warm, and comforting; the perfect base into which you can drown your lack-o-Parenthood sorrows. We’re pulling some inspiration from Chipotle today, as we’re seasoning the rice with a zip of lime juice, some herby cilantro leaves, and some salt. These three ingredients quickly take this rice from delicious to down-right addictive.

We’re flavoring this bowl with cumin, cayenne, and chili powder. These three spices are the trifecta of delicious flavor, as far as I’m concerned. I’m a huge fan of spice, so I tend to have a heavy hand when adding them to my dishes; however, I wrote the recipe using spice starting points. Adjust them to your tastebuds, but know that spice has been shown to boost metabolism! Can you handle the heat?

Simple, sweet, and to the point, this Black Bean & Rice Bowl is destined to a prime spot in your weekday dinner lineup. Top it with a splash of your favorite hot sauce (I’m partial to Cholula, but choose your fav), a sprinkle of cilantro, and some juicy tomato, and your Parenthood-induced sorrows will be alleviated…if only for a few flavorful minutes.

Black Beans & Rice

From Fooduzzi at https://www.fooduzzi.com/2015/02/black-beans-rice/

https://www.fooduzzi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Photo-Feb-17-10-03-46-AM1.jpg

Prep: 2m

Cook: 1h

Yield: serves 2-3 people

Total: 1h 2m

Black Beans & Rice is a classically simple recipe that's perfect for busy week nights; we have it at least once a week!

You'll Need...

• 1/2 cup long grain brown rice
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• salt + pepper to taste
• 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 large vidalia onion, small dice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can black beans (preferably organic and in a BPA-free can)
• 1/2+ tsp. chili powder
• 1/2+ tsp. cayenne
• 1/2+ tsp. cumin
• Topping ideas: tomatoes, avocado, extra cilantro, salsa, hot sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice: Cook rice according to package instructions. When cooked, add lime juice, cilantro, and salt to taste. Mix until combined. Set aside.
2. Prepare the black beans: While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat in a small sauce pan. Once hot, add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent and slightly brown, 7-10 minutes.
3. Add black beans AND their liquid and increase the heat to high. Add chili powder, cayenne, and cumin, and mix to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until liquid has reduced to your liking (I like it with a little liquid, but you do you). Taste the mixture for seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble: Add rice to a bowl and top with black bean mixture. Garnish with tomatoes, avocado, extra cilantro, salsa, or hot sauce.

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Stay classy, Internet friends!

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