Why Make This Recipe
Black Beans and Rice with Sausage is a delicious and hearty dish that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat. This recipe combines protein-rich black beans, flavorful sausage, and fluffy rice into one pot. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s affordable and can easily feed a family or a group of friends.
How to Make Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup rice
- 1 lb sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings (cilantro, lime, avocado)
Directions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until soft.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in the rice, black beans, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
- Top with cilantro, lime, or avocado as desired.
How to Serve Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Serve Black Beans and Rice with Sausage hot. You can add optional toppings like fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or slices of avocado to enhance the flavor. This dish works well as a main course and can be paired with a simple green salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch.
How to Store Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
- For extra flavor, try using smoked sausage or spicy sausage.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicy, consider adding some chili powder or diced jalapeños.
- Add some veggies like bell peppers or corn to make it even heartier.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by swapping ingredients. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage or skip the sausage entirely and add more beans or vegetables instead. Also, brown rice or quinoa could be used in place of regular rice for a healthier option.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you will need to soak and cook the dried beans beforehand since they take longer to prepare.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free sausage and ensure that your broth is gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this dish a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup rice Regular white rice is used in this recipe.
- 1 lb sausage, sliced Smoked or spicy sausage can be used for extra flavor.
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth Ensure it is gluten-free if necessary.
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
- cilantro Fresh, for garnishing.
- lime For squeezing on top.
- avocado Sliced, for garnishing.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until soft.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned.
Cooking
- Stir in the rice, black beans, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Serving
- Top with cilantro, lime, or avocado as desired.