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A Culinary Journey: The Ultimate Guide to Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage

A Culinary Journey: The Ultimate Guide to Hearty Black Beans and Rice with Sausage
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This one-pot black beans and rice with sausage is smoky, hearty, and deeply comforting. With simple pantry staples and bold spices, you can have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes. It’s gluten-free, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 12 ounces smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)

  • 1 small onion (diced)

  • 1 bell pepper (diced – any color works)

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained & rinsed)

  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

  • 1 lime (cut into wedges, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.

  2. Sauté Aromatics:
    In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  3. Toast Spices & Rice:
    Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder. Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring, to enhance its nutty flavor.

  4. Simmer:
    Return the sausage to the pot along with black beans and chicken broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and broth absorbed.

  5. Fluff & Finish:
    Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

  • Make it spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or extra chili powder.

  • Change the protein: Use chicken sausage, andouille, or even chorizo for a flavor twist.

  • Veggie boost: Stir in corn, zucchini, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

  • Meal prep friendly: Stays delicious in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/a-culinary-journey-the-ultimate-guide-to-hearty-black-beans-and-rice-with-sausage/