Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring smoky sausage, tender black beans, and fragrant rice simmered together with spices, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines Cajun-inspired flavors with simple cooking techniques for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Beans, Rice and Liquids
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside to be added later.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion becomes translucent and soft, typically around 3 to 4 minutes, enhancing their flavors.
- Add Spices: Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently until the spices release their aroma, adding depth to the dish.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Add the black beans, long-grain white rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf into the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed completely.
- Final Touches: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir the browned sausage back into the pot along with the chopped fresh cilantro to incorporate freshness and additional flavor.
- Serve: Serve the black beans and rice hot with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze lime juice over each serving to add a bright, citrusy kick that complements the smoky and savory flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure to rinse and drain canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- Use smoked sausage for the best flavor, but any cooked sausage will work.
- Adjust spices to taste; adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a nice heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
