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Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

4.9 from 15 reviews

A flavorful and satisfying one-pot meal featuring smoked sausage, black beans, and long-grain white rice, seasoned with a blend of spices and fresh cilantro, perfect for a hearty and comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

Garnish & Serving

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add Spices and Rice: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder. Add the uncooked rice and toast it by stirring for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the spices and rice to combine and develop a nutty flavor.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the black beans, chicken broth, and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  5. Fluff and Finish: Remove the pot from heat. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Notes

  • Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
  • Feel free to substitute smoked sausage with a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño when sautéing the aromatics.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
  • If you prefer brown rice, increase the simmer time to about 40-45 minutes and add an extra ½ cup of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: black beans and rice, sausage recipe, one pot meal, hearty dinner, smoked sausage recipe, quick dinner