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Flavorful Rice and Beans Recipe with Sofrito and Smoked Paprika

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A quick and easy rice and beans dish enhanced with smoky paprika and bright sofrito, perfect for beginners and packed with bold, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (about 190 grams), rinsed well
  • 1 can black beans (15 ounces/425 grams) or 1.5 cups cooked from dry, rinsed and drained if canned
  • 1/2 cup sofrito (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water (480 ml)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (190 g) of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
  3. Stir in 1/2 cup of sofrito and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to darken slightly without burning.
  4. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat each grain with the sofrito and spices. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes until it develops a slightly nutty scent.
  5. Pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of vegetable broth or water. Stir once to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.
  7. Carefully lift the lid and gently fold in the rinsed black beans. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming and fluff up.
  9. Fluff the rice and beans gently with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

Rinse rice well to remove excess starch for fluffier grains. Do not lift lid or stir while simmering to avoid mushy rice. Use fresh smoked paprika for best flavor. If rice is too firm, add a splash of water and cook a few minutes longer. For a smokier kick, add chipotle powder. Sofrito can be homemade or store-bought. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan if using vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: rice and beans, sofrito, smoked paprika, easy recipe, comfort food, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/flavorful-rice-and-beans-recipe-with-sofrito-and-smoked-paprika-easy-and-perfect-for-beginners/