Rice and Beans, an all time favorite in our house, The 2 things I can not live without in my pantry. I make this at least once a week on Sundays and have some left overs for a couple of days. Beans are a great way to get protein, antioxidants, folate, and can help overall heart health. Stock up on all different types of dried beans so you can switch up your beans in the rice. Dried beans can last a while in the pantry making it a good staple to have especially during these times when we have to be social distancing or are quarantined due to the corona virus pandemic.
Red Beans & Rice
The red kidney beans, and black beans are the ones I use most often for the Creole rice and beans, but you can use green peas, and even Lima beans. There are many varieties of rice and beans because it is such a staple in many cultures. From Latin America, to the Caribbean islands you can find a new recipe each week so it doesn’t have to be boring. Although having canned beans are convenient for last minute meals, when you use dried beans and cook the rice with the cooking liquid from the beans, the rice taste much better and has more flavor.
Brown Lentils & Rice
Lentils are in the legume family and have similar health benefits like beans, I use the same method as rice and beans to make my brown lentil rice, using dried brown lentils instead and I sauté some onions with cumin and butter than mix it in the cooked rice. This is delicious enough to eat by itself, or with a few steamed vegetables. I use brown lentils because they hold their shape better so if if you use another type of lentil just keep that in mind.
Mexican Beans & Rice
Who doesn’t like restaurant style Mexican rice? It’s a one pot rice dish with all the protein and vegetables that you need. This is a dish where using canned beans would not make a difference. I have tried this Mexican rice and beans recipe before and received thumbs up from the twins and hubby, I made it even more tasty with the addition of sausages, onions, carrots, celery and topped it with more avocado and cheddar cheese. This recipe also calls for long grain brown rice so it is healthier. Brown rice is a whole grain rice where only the outer layer (husk) is removed, leaving the bran and germ layer. It is great source of magnesium, vitamin B6 & B1, and is high in fiber.
Stewed Rice & Beans
When craving for comfort food, anything stewed makes a perfect dish for those cold nights. If your short on time this can also be done in the pressure cooker, or crock pot so you can prepare it before you leave for work and have supper ready when you come home. To pair the stewed beans, choose a simple white jasmine or basmati rice, so that it can soak up all that luscious sauce.
Rice & Bean Soup
Last but not least, an idea you probably didn’t think of when you thought of rice and beans is a soup recipe. Something different especially if you are like me and love soups, give this white bean and rice vegetable soup recipe a try. This is also perfect if you are looking for a recipe that is low in carbs, you can control the amount of vegetables and protein and put less rice.
