Description
A hearty and flavorful Black Beans and Rice recipe combining tender black beans with aromatic sofrito, seasoned with Sazon and bouillon, and cooked to fluffy perfection. This comforting dish is perfect as a main or a side, reflecting Latin-inspired flavors with simple ingredients and an easy stovetop method.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups long grain rice (Carolina variety preferred)
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1 packet Sazon with achiote (or 1/2 tablespoon homemade sazon)
- 1 large vegetable or chicken bouillon cube (such as Maggi)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sofrito: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup sofrito and cook, stirring continuously, until the sofrito becomes fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base for the dish.
- Add Beans and Rice: Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans and 2 cups of long grain rice, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly in the pot.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in 3 1/2 cups of water. Add 1 packet of Sazon with achiote (or 1/2 tablespoon homemade sazon), 1 large vegetable or chicken bouillon cube, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
- Bring to Boil: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until the liquid is almost absorbed and the water level just skim the top of the rice. This ensures the rice begins to cook properly by absorbing flavor.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. Let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the rice and beans to cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavors.
- Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit undisturbed for 5 to 8 minutes so the rice finishes steaming perfectly. Then fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.
Notes
- Sofrito can be homemade or store-bought; freezing it in portions is convenient for quick meals.
- Using Carolina long grain rice yields the best texture, but any long grain rice can work with similar cooking times.
- The bouillon cube adds additional umami; vegetable bouillon keeps it vegetarian, chicken bouillon adds a richer flavor.
- Resting the rice after cooking is important to achieve fluffy, separate grains.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your bouillon and Sazon seasoning.
