Honestly, this is a recipe I make at least once a week. For one, they are amazingly delicious and simple to make. Secondly, when you are on a budget, beans and rice are the way to go. Plus beans and brown rice are great sources of fiber, which can help with weight loss.
The beans can also be made in a pressure cooker, which really helps to lower down on cooking time. Instead of 2-3 hours, it only takes around 30-40 minutes to cook the beans. The rice can also be made in a rice cooker. I like to sauté the rice first and then place it into the rice cooker, add the water and salt, and let it cook away.
In my opinion, beans and rice are a staple food in a vegetarian or vegans diet. They're so full of nutrition and a great way to replace other protein foods. So, I hope you enjoy this recipe and give it a try.
Recipe:
Beans
2 cups black beans, rinsed and soaked for 2+ hours
8-10 cups of water, added over time
4-7 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, minced
2-3 Tbsp olive oil
3 Bay leaves
salt to taste
Directions:
Place olive oil, garlic, and onion into a large pot on a medium-high heat. Sauté them until the onions are transparent. Add 4 cups of water, black beans, bay leaf, and salt. Allow beans to cook until they are soft and tender. It usually takes between 2-3 hours to fully cook. Continue to add water throughout the cooking time, checking periodically to make sure they don't loose too much water.
Rice:
1 cup brown rice, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
1/2-1 tsp salt
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
In a pot add the olive oil and rice, on a medium heat. Sauté the rice until it is a little bit golden brown and somewhat dry. Add the water and bring it to a boil. Once it starts to boil add the salt, and allow it to boil for about 3-4 more minutes. Put the lid on the pot, and put the heat down to low. Allow the rice to cook for 30-35 minutes, until the water has evaporated and the rice is tender.
Garlic:
1 bulb of garlic, minced
3 Tbsp olive oil, or more/less if needed
Instructions:
Place a pan on a medium heat and add the olive oil and garlic. Sauté the garlic until it is nice and golden brown. It usually takes about 4-6 minutes to full cook.
Eat and enjoy!