Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe
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.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Low Lactose
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: black beans and rice, sausage recipe, one pot meal, hearty dinner, smoked sausage recipe, quick dinner