Quick Dinner Idea: Rice and Beans Mix

Looking for a quick dinner idea? This rice and beans mix will have you saying yummy in no time!! 

Rice and beans make for the ultimate budget meal — especially if you cook dried beans from scratch — but that doesn't mean your dinner has to be boring. This combination can be cooked up in a variety of ways that manage to be satisfying and tasty, without breaking the bank.

Rice and Beans Mix Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1½ cup rice
• 1 cup kidney beans, slightly cooked
• 2 Tbsp. oil
• ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp. cumin powder
• 1 tsp. paprika powder
• 2 cups hot water
• juice of 1 lime
• salt and pepper
• 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add red onions and bell peppers, saute for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, paprika, and cumin, saute for 30 more seconds. Add rice and fry for a few seconds. Add beans, and hot water, bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to the lowest level and simmer, covered, for approximately 20 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in unsalted butter to melt and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lime juice and coriander.