Black Bean Bowls

Black Bean Bowls

A hearty yet light weeknight bowl built on smoky, cumin-spiced black beans, fluffy cilantro-lime brown rice, and a rainbow of fresh toppings. Everything comes together in about 40 minutes and checks every box for a satisfying, healthy dinner the whole family will love.

4 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 25 min · Total 40 min

Latin American · Dinner · Main Course

Rice

  • 1.5 cup brown rice rinsed
  • 3 cup water
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 1 whole lime juiced

Beans

  • 2 can black beans rinsed and drained, liquid reserved
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 medium red onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt plus more
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Main

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 whole avocado sliced
  • 1 whole jalapeño seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 whole lime cut into wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Fork
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Knife
  • Pan
  • Cutting Board
  • Saucepan (1 Quart)
  • Dipping Fork
  • Citrus Juicer
  • Sieve

Instructions

  1. Combine the rinsed @[Brown Rice] and @[Water] in a medium #[Saucepan]. Bring to a boil over ^[high heat], then reduce to a ^[low simmer], cover, and cook for ~[22–25 minutes] until the @[Water] is absorbed and the @[Brown Rice] is tender. Remove from heat, let steam covered for ~[5 minutes], then fluff with a #[Dipping Fork]. Stir in the @[Lime Juice] and chopped @[Cilantro]. Season with a pinch of @[Fine Sea Salt].
  2. While the @[Brown Rice] cooks, heat the @[Extra-Virgin Olive Oil] in a large #[Saucepan] over ^[medium heat]. Add the chopped @[Medium Red Onion] and cook, stirring occasionally, for ~[3–4 minutes] until softened. Add the minced @[Garlic], @[Cumin], and @[Red Pepper Flakes] (if using) and cook for ~[1 minute] more until fragrant.
  3. Add the drained @[Black Beans] to the pan along with ¼ cup of the reserved @[Black Beans] liquid (or @[Water]). Season with @[Fine Sea Salt] and @[Black Pepper]. Stir to combine and simmer over ^[medium-low heat] for ~[8–10 minutes], stirring occasionally, until the @[Black Beans] are heated through and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Divide the @[Cilantro]-@[Lime Juice] @[Brown Rice] among four bowls. Spoon the spiced @[Black Beans] over the @[Brown Rice]. Arrange the @[Cherry Tomatoes], sliced @[Avocado], @[Jalapeño], and pickled @[Medium Red Onion] on top. Finish with crumbled cotija or feta if desired, and serve with @[Lime] wedges on the side. Add hot sauce to taste.