Brown Beans with Rice

Brown Beans with Rice Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Brown Beans with Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is popular in many cultures around the world. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of brown beans with the fluffy texture of rice, creating a satisfying and filling meal.

History

Brown Beans with Rice has been a staple dish in many cultures for centuries. It is a simple and affordable meal that provides a good source of protein and fiber. This dish has been passed down through generations and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

1 cup of cooked brown beans, with cooking water
2 onions, cut
2 big tomatoes, cut
1 twig of freshly cut celery leaves
1 whole fresh hot pepper
1 cube of bouillon
nutmeg
black pepper
cooked brown rice

How to prepare

1. Simmer the onions for a few minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes and a cube of bouillon. Simmer until slightly thickened.
3. Enhance the broth's flavor with black pepper.
4. Add the brown beans, celery leaves, and the whole hot pepper. Add enough cooking water.
5. Simmer until the liquid has thickened (approximately another ten minutes).
6. Season to taste with nutmeg (and more pepper if desired).
7. Serve the rice topped with the beans, finely sliced hot pepper (using a fork and knife!), and a cucumber salad.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables.
Use different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a variation in flavor and texture.
Top the dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the onions until they are soft and translucent before adding the tomatoes.

- Adding a cube of bouillon enhances the flavor of the broth.

- Adjust the amount of black pepper and nutmeg to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the dish with a side of cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich beans and rice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brown Beans with Rice with a side of cucumber salad and some freshly sliced hot pepper for added heat. You can also garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the onions until soft and translucent before adding the tomatoes to build flavor.

- Be sure to cook the beans until they are tender but not mushy.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more black pepper or nutmeg as desired.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice.

- Substitute canned beans for cooked brown beans if you are short on time.

- Use vegetable broth instead of a bouillon cube for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Brown Beans with Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Brown Beans with Rice in a shallow bowl, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a slice of hot pepper for garnish. You can also arrange the cucumber salad on the side for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Brown Beans with Rice with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing iced tea. You can also serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Brown Beans with Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Brown Beans with Rice typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and any additional toppings or garnishes.

Carbohydrates

Brown Beans with Rice is a high-carbohydrate dish, with the majority of the carbs coming from the brown beans and rice. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, as it does not contain any added oils or fats. The fat content mainly comes from the natural fats present in the beans and any added toppings or garnishes.

Proteins

Brown Beans with Rice is a good source of protein, with the beans providing a significant amount of this essential nutrient. Protein is important for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the vegetables used in the recipe. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, while celery leaves provide vitamins A and K. The beans also contain a variety of essential minerals, such as iron and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, if you have any specific food allergies or intolerances, be sure to check the ingredients and make any necessary substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Brown Beans with Rice is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a filling and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish.

Summary

Brown Beans with Rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of brown beans with the fluffy texture of rice, creating a satisfying and filling meal that is sure to please the whole family. Enjoy this dish with a side of cucumber salad and some freshly sliced hot pepper for added heat and flavor.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the countryside. Maria was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On that particular day, Maria had a pot of brown beans simmering on the stove, filling the air with the most enticing aroma. I watched in fascination as she added a myriad of spices and herbs, each one carefully selected and measured. She explained that this was her family's traditional recipe for Brown Beans with Rice, a dish that had been passed down for generations.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of rich flavors and comforting textures. The beans were tender and flavorful, infused with the earthy notes of cumin and smoked paprika. The rice was fluffy and perfectly cooked, the ideal complement to the hearty beans.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself. Maria graciously shared the recipe with me, guiding me through each step with patience and expertise. I made notes in my trusty recipe book, adding my own little tweaks and adjustments along the way.

Over the years, I have made Brown Beans with Rice countless times, each batch a labor of love and a tribute to the wonderful memories I shared with Maria. I have served this dish to family and friends, who have all marveled at its deliciousness and asked for the recipe.

The key to making perfect Brown Beans with Rice lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful balance of flavors. I always start by soaking the beans overnight, allowing them to plump up and soften before cooking. I then sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a generous amount of olive oil, adding in the soaked beans along with a splash of vegetable broth.

Next comes the seasoning – a blend of cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a hint of cinnamon. I let the beans simmer on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to absorb all the delicious spices. Meanwhile, I cook the rice separately, fluffing it up with a fork before serving.

When everything is ready, I ladle the beans over a generous mound of fluffy rice, garnishing with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice. The result is a dish that is both hearty and satisfying, a true comfort food that warms the soul.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Brown Beans with Rice, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment. I think back to the warm summer day when Maria first shared this recipe with me, and I smile at the thought of all the memories we have created together in the kitchen.

I hope that one day, I will be able to pass this recipe down to a loved one, just as Maria did for me. And I know that as long as there are home-cooked meals and cherished traditions, the legacy of Brown Beans with Rice will continue to thrive in our hearts and our kitchens.