If you love rice and beans combinations, you’re not alone.These two ingredients are a match made in culinary heaven for more than one reason. They’re affordable, easy to find in most stores, and taste good together. Not to mention, you can prepare them easily for a hearty and nutritious meal.
If you’re looking for Comfort Food Recipes for Foodies, you’ve come to the right place.
Which Rice Goes Best with Beans?
Truth be told, there are all kinds of different beans and combinations that work well in their own ways. Indian-inspired dishes usually work well with Basmati while Jasmine rice is more common in recipes from South-East Asia. Having said that, when it comes to pairing with beans, all rice varieties have something to offer.
To see the different kinds of rice we offer at RiceSelect®, check out our products page. Our products are made from ingredients of the highest quality with very close attention paid to every detail. Each of our products have a special quality, flavor, or texture that makes them fine additions to various recipes.
What Kinds of Beans Can You Use?
This dynamic duo makes for irresistible International-Inspired Dishes. Among the most popular beans to go with rice dishes are kidney beans and black beans. But other types such as pinto, cannellini, and navy beans are also popular. Many of these beans, and others, are typically used in Latin-American, Caribbean, and Mediterranean dishes. Let’s have a look at the options:
Black Beans
A staple in many Latin American cuisines, black beans are known for their rich, earthy flavor and smooth and soft texture.
Red Beans
Smaller and sweeter than black beans, red beans are often used in Louisiana Creole dishes, such as red beans and rice which is traditionally eaten on Mondays in New Orleans.
Cannellini Beans
Large and white, cannellini beans have a mild flavor and a smooth, creamy texture, making them a popular ingredient in soups, stews, and salads.
Pinto Beans
Popular in Mexico, pinto beans are often used in chili and other hearty dishes for their smooth texture and mild, earthy flavor.
Black-Eyed Pea
A staple in Southern cuisine, black-eyed peas are known for their soft texture and mild flavor, and are often used in salads and hoppin' John.
Navy Beans
Small and oval, navy beans are a staple ingredient in many classic American dishes, such as baked beans and navy bean soup.
Kidney Beans
Large and reddish-brown, kidney beans have a firm texture and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor, making them a popular ingredient in chili and other hearty dishes.
Quick Kitchen Tips for Cooking Rice and Beans
When it comes to getting a rice and beans recipe just right, the first step is mastering how to prepare each ingredient.
Quick Tips for Cooking Rice
Rinse rice in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and improve texture.
Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water (for example, 1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water) for best results.
Add flavor and texture by mixing in seasonings such as butter, salt, or herbs to the rice before cooking, or use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
Quick Tips for Cooking Beans
Soak beans overnight (or for at least 8 hours) to help to reduce cooking time and improve texture.
Drain and rinse the soaked beans before cooking to remove any impurities and reduce sugars.
By using aromatics like onions, garlic, bay leaves, and spices, you can add extra flavor to your beans.
Now, let’s have a look at some of these showstopping dishes you can cook with rice and beans.
Rice and Beans Soups
Rice and beans work wonders in soups because of their soft texture and subtle flavor. They also help to make soups more filling and protein-packed.
Learn how to make the best soups possible by taking a look at our guide of soups to warm you from the inside out; with these tips and tricks, you’ll be whipping up unforgettable soups for every occasion, as well as suggestions for different kinds of soups you can prepare and the ingredients you’ll need.
You can begin by treating your taste buds to the authentic flavors of Northern Italy with our Tuscany Rice and Bean Soup Recipe, made using RiceSelect® Texmati® Brown Rice. Each spoonful of this delicious soup will transport you to a charming Italian villa, where you can sit back and savor the mouthwatering tastes and aromas of this dish.
With RiceSelect® Arborio Rice and Cannellini beans, you’re already halfway there to making this Cannellini Bean Soup Recipe. With some minced garlic, seasoning, broth, and veggies added, just think how comforting this warm soup can be on a cold winter evening.
Hearty Rice and Beans Dishes
So let’s look at some of the heartier rice and beans combos - dishes that satisfy your appetite and keep you going for the hours ahead.
This Instant Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Grilled Jerk Eggplant is a flavorful vegetarian dish, brimming with Caribbean taste. Simply put, it’s guaranteed to impress any gathering. Ideal for any season, it can be served as a cozy winter meal or at a summer BBQ.
Or how about transforming your kitchen into a Cajun food haven? You can do so with this mouth-watering recipe for Creamy Red Beans and Rice with Caramelized Onions, made using RiceSelect® Texmati® Brown Rice.
If you’re in need of a morning boost, look no further than this energizing Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Bowl Recipe. Get stuck into some RiceSelect® Texmati® White Rice, eggs, cheese and a fresh, homemade pico de gallo to top it off.
We also have to mention this southern delight, our Texas Stir-Fry Recipe made with Texmati® White Rice, pork, chili powder, corn and black beans, and more. This is a great way to make a rice and beans bowl that’s full of color and character.
Black and Brown Rice Combos with Beans
It wouldn’t be fair to leave out black and brown rice. There are just too many scrumptious dishes that can come out of them both. To Start, this Black Rice Nasi Goreng with Bacon, Green Beans and Roasted Garlic is an Indonesian-style dish that’s loaded with crispy bacon and roasted garlic.
Last but not least, this Brown Rice and Black Bean Burrito Recipe is simply tantalizing. With Cheddar cheese and salsa, it’s full of flavor in each and every hot and hearty bite. With staple ingredients from Mexican cuisine, the tortilla is filled with brown rice, black beans, seasonings, and other ingredients and toppings of your choice.
With a newly-gained wealth of rice and beans dishes in your repertoire, it’s time to put your cooking skills to the test. Which dish are you going to cook? Whichever you decide, remember that RiceSelect® is always here to help when you’re in need of elevating your cooking skills.