Description
This Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage recipe is a flavorful one-pot meal that combines smoky sausage, tender black beans, and perfectly cooked rice with a blend of aromatic spices. It’s a comforting Latin American and Southern-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
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 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 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
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 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 it is browned on both sides. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Cook these ingredients for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Spices and Rice: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder into the sautéed aromatics. Then, add the uncooked long-grain white rice to the pot and toast it by stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This step enhances the rice’s nutty flavor.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the drained black beans and low sodium chicken broth. Add the browned sausage back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer gently for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Fluff and Finish: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. After resting, fluff the rice mixture gently with a fork to combine all flavors. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked sausage with chorizo or kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the spices according to your heat preference; add more chili powder for extra kick.
- Make sure to not lift the lid during cooking to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
