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Fresh Lime Cilantro Rice Recipe with Black Beans and Roasted Corn

Fresh Lime Cilantro Rice - featured image

A quick and flavorful rice dish combining zesty lime, fresh cilantro, sweet roasted corn, and creamy black beans. Perfect for a vibrant and filling weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (190g)
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz / 425g), drained and rinsed
  • 1 large ear fresh corn
  • ยฝ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 large lime, juiced and zested
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ยฝ medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water (480ml)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of cumin or chili powder

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice with 2 cups vegetable broth or water and ยฝ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  4. While rice cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Husk and clean the ear of corn, cut kernels off the cob, and sautรฉ in the skillet for 6-8 minutes until golden-brown and slightly charred, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a separate small pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
  7. Add ยฝ cup finely diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; cook until onion is translucent and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
  8. Add drained black beans to the onion and garlic mixture; cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Stir in optional cumin or chili powder if desired.
  9. Remove rice from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.
  10. Add roasted corn, black bean mixture, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and zest to the rice. Stir gently to combine.
  11. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  12. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors before serving warm, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Roasting the corn adds a subtle smokiness and caramelized sweetness. Fluff rice gently with a fork to keep grains separate. Add cilantro and lime juice off the heat to preserve fresh flavors. Rinse canned beans well to reduce sodium and canned taste. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: lime cilantro rice, black beans, roasted corn, easy rice recipe, vegan, gluten-free, quick dinner, healthy rice dish