12 Rice and Beans Recipes (2024)

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (1)

Rice and beans are a staple food in many countries around the world. The reason for this is that when you put the two together you get all of the essential amino acids needed to make a complete protein. I am sure that it is not necessary to tell this to the Oh My Veggies crowd, but it is very important for vegetarians and vegans to have a good sources for these essential amino acids. the body uses them for protein synthesis and to repair tissues in the body. Rice and beans are one of the absolute best ways to get these amino acids into your diet without using animal proteins. Beans and rice are considered comfort food in many countries. The reason is that beans are so versatile, there are several varieties, and they can be used for several different recipe applications. We have gathered together a list of some of the best vegetarian rice and beans recipes to help you to explore some new culinary horizons.

Cajun-Style Red Beans and Rice

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When people talk about rice and beans, they are usually referring to cajun red beans and rice. This recipe is a good representation of this classic recipe. However, I prefer to use the actual red bean variety instead of kidney beans. Red beans have a more rich flavor, and make a more fulfilling finished product.

Get the recipe at emileeats.com.

Vegetarian Feijoada

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (3)

Feijoada is the national dish of Brazil. This is a comfort food created by African slaves that were brought to Brazil to work on sugar plantations. It is a take onthe classic “Moors and Christians” black beans and rice dish from Portugal, and it adds some distinctly Brazilian and "slave" ingredients. This recipe uses smoked tofu to replace the smoked meat that gives traditional Feijoada its flavor. It is usually served with orange segments, greens, and toasted farina (cassava) flour. This is comfort food for a reason.

Get the recipe from sprinkleofgreen.com

Vegetarian Rice and Bean Casserole

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (4)

Here is a hearty casserole with two kinds of beans, rice, corn, and topped with cheese. This is a warm, hearty, and delicious dish that is a great main dish or side dish.

Get the recipe at jennabraddock.com.

Lentil, Rice, and Veggie Bake

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (5)

Lentils and rice together are another great source of protein. Lentils are reasonably priced, yet they are different in flavor and texture from beans. This is a great casserole with Italian flavors with lentils and rice. This is a great option when you are in the mood for variety in your menu.

Get the recipe from Allrecipes.com.

Black Bean, Rice, and Veggie Salad

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This is a cold salad of rice and beans that would be a great side dish, or could be a main dish for a hot summer day.

Get the recipe at myrecipes.com.

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (7)

The flavors of Jamaica are an interesting mix of tropical ingredients and British flavors because Jamaica used to be a British holding. The British Empire brought ingredients from all over the world to their holdings. This dish is a great combination of flavors, and it uses tropical flavors and Indian curry to create this delicious dish of rice and beans.

Get the recipe at vegkitchen.com

Black Bean and Rice Chili

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (8)

This is a chili recipe with cooked rice mixed in. The addition of rice completes the protein to make it a great meatless chili recipe.

Get the recipe at justapinch.com.

Kale, Black Bean & Avocado Burrito Bowl

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (9)

Burrito bowls have become very popular in the last few years. This burrito bowl brings the dense nutrition of kale, the complete protein of rice and beans, and the healthy fat of avocados. Beans and rice don'tget better than this.

Get the recipe at cookieandkate.com.

Vegan Hoppin John

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (10)

Hoppin' John is a traditional southern dish that combines rice with black-eyed peas. This recipe is seasoned with cumin and chili powder, and has bunches of mushrooms and veggies.

Get the recipe attoriavey.com.

One Pot Brazilian Chickpeas and Rice

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (11)

Chick peas are not only for hummus. Chick peas and rice are also a great source for those essential amino acids that our body needs. This is a one-pot chickpea and rice dish with great flavors. When the recipe calls for coriander, most will know this herb as cilantro. The flavors and bright greens and yellows of this dish are reminiscent of the Brazil.

Get the recipe atemmaslittlekitchen.com.

Mujadara: Lentils and Rice with Fried Onions

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (12)

Mujadara is a traditional middle eastern dish with lentils, rice, and fried or caramelized onions. This is a great take on the original.

Get the recipe atthemediterraneandish.com.

Tomato-Herb Rice with White Beans and Spinach

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (13)

Too often we eat pinto, red, and black beans and forget that there are a huge variety of beans that to use. White beans, or cannellini beans, are very popular in Italian cooking. This is a white bean and rice dish that uses very Italian flavors.

Get the recipe atbudgetbytes.com.

12 Rice and Beans Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best rice to bean ratio? ›

The usual ratio is about half beans, half white rice. “But for a more nutritious combination, you should try two-thirds beans and one-third rice,” says Isabella Ferrari, MCN, R.D., L.D., a clinical dietitian at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas.

What is rice and beans together called? ›

Gallopinto, the rice-and-beans combination, is known by many names across Latin America, some charming like casamiento (wedding) others rather dated and decidedly politically incorrect like moros y cristianos (Moors and Christians).

Do beans and rice fill you up? ›

Whole-grain rice (just like beans) may help you feel full longer, so you may eat fewer calories.

How many days is rice and beans good for? ›

Rice is best eaten as soon after cooking as possible, i.e. the next day, but generally, cooked rice, if cooled and stored correctly, lasts three to five days. The USA Rice Federation recommends only storing cooked rice leftovers for set periods: In the fridge, cooked rice leftovers may be stored for 3 to 5 days.

How to make beans and rice taste better? ›

Garlic, onions, cayenne pepper and possibly a little cumin. The nice thing about any beans and rice dish is how versatile they are, and how easy it is to flavor with minimal ingredients and spices. I like things on the spicier side, so I would also add a small red pepper cut up very finely and simmered with the rice.

What to add to rice and beans for flavor? ›

By using aromatics like onions, garlic, bay leaves, and spices, you can add extra flavor to your beans.

Is it healthy to eat beans and rice every day? ›

When you eat plenty of rice and beans, you can easily get lean protein. Eating more protein can help you build muscle mass and maintain a healthy weight. These sides are a perfect choice if you are looking for a healthy source of protein without saturated fats or animal products!

Can you eat just beans and rice? ›

Yes, you can eat rice and beans every day. Many people in third world countries do. Rice and beans are complementary vegetables that together provide all the necessary amino acids and minerals to live on, although either alone will be deficient in some. A 50/50 mix is ideal.

Do Mexicans eat rice and beans with every meal? ›

No, not every Mexican person eats beans, rice, and tortillas every day of the week. While these foods are staples in Mexican cuisine and are commonly consumed, people's diets vary greatly based on personal preferences, regional customs, and individual circ*mstances.

What foods burn fat crazy? ›

12 Metabolism-Boosting Foods to Aid Weight Loss
  • Fish & Shellfish. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. ...
  • Legumes (Also known as beans) ...
  • Chili Peppers. ...
  • Lean Meats. ...
  • Low-Fat Milk. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Oatmeal.

Will you lose weight if you only eat rice and beans? ›

Beans and rice both are high in carbohydrates and low in fats. A high carbohydrate and low fat plant based diet is proven for weight loss. So yes, you can lose weight eating beans and rice. I am a weight loss coach and this advice is based on science and my experience.

What's the best food to eat to burn belly fat? ›

When trying to lose belly fat, aim to get at least 25 grams of fiber in your diet each day. Foods that are rich in fiber include pulses, like lentils and beans; apples and pears, with the skin; nuts and seeds; and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

What is the fried rice disease? ›

Fried rice syndrome is caused by a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which is present in these types of starchy foods prior to cooking. Bacillus cereus is a heat-resistant bacteria, so even recooking foods that have not been appropriately refrigerated can result in food poisoning.

How many pounds of rice and beans per person? ›

Rice would be sufficient in the short term, but it's mostly carbohydrates, and you'll need some protein and fat. Beans would provide that, will keep for decades like the rice. 15 lbs of rice, and 15 lbs of beans (a 5 gallon pail), per person, per month, is a generous estimate.

Is it okay to eat beans left out overnight? ›

If you reheat food that was forgotten on the counter overnight or was left out all day, will it be safe to eat? TWO HOURS is the MAXIMUM time perishable foods should be at room temperature (ONE HOUR at temperatures 90 degrees F and higher). This INCLUDES the time they're on the table during your meal.

What is the ratio of beans to rice for complete protein? ›

While the ratio is typically half and half, the best ratio of rice and beans may be higher in beans and lower in rice than that. If you want to pack in more protein and fiber, as well as the higher nutrient quality of beans, you may want to create a dish consisting of two-thirds beans and one-third rice.

How many cups of beans per rice? ›

1 cup of white or brown rice. 1 cup of dried beans (black, kidney, pinto, etc.) 2 cups of water or broth. Salt and pepper, to taste.

What is the rule for rice ratio? ›

The Classic Method

If you're face-to-face with something like a short-grain rice, you can always check the package instructions for how to tailor this technique to the variety. Rinse the rice. Use the right ratio of water. Add 2 parts water and 1 part rice to a large pot.

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