Cinnamon Cilantro Black Bean Rice

If you’re tired of red Mexican Rice, try this.

During a gloomy, rainy day, I was inspired to smoke some meat. I didn’t really have a plan, but it has been a couple of months since I did chicken quarters, so that was a must. Found some I’ve actually had this post queued up since even before I started blogging. Make it along with a feast, or eat on it’s own.. It’s low in fat, so I assume it’s healthy. Try this cinnamon cilantro black bean rice recipe tonight!

The secret ingredient is love. Just kidding. It’s cinnamon.

“Cinnamon in rice?” they asked… Yes. Cinnamon.

It’s strange, I know, but it’s really nice. It’s subtle, it’s a little spicy and best of all, it’s a flavour that you don’t see that often. Adds a slightly Caribbean flavour to an otherwise beautifully balanced, Mexican-ish rice dish.

I’ve actually had this post queued up since even before I started blogging. This recipe below for cinnamon cilantro black bean rice is something that I like to keep in my back pocket to add some zing and throw in a change-up to standard Mexican-style offerings.

Carbs have a bad rap, but rice doesn’t count, does it?

Ha, yes, rice does count as carbs, but that’s not what this blog is about. If you’re looking for a healthier, more fiber-rich option, try this cinnamon cilantro black bean recipe with BROWN rice!

Cilantro Black Bean Rice

Tired of that old red Mexican rice you always eat? Give this black bean and cinnamon rice a shot and toss in some cilantro and jalapeno for added freshness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex

Servings 8 side servings

Equipment

• rice cooker (preferred) and/or instant pot

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tbsp white onion finely chopped
• 1 tbsp jalapeno finely chopped
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 handful cilantro leaves chopped
• 1 tsp salt to taste
• 1-2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup black beans cooked, cook separately

Instructions

 

Prepare beans

• I'll post a dried bean hack I learned earlier, but will probably require a full separate post, so I'll give the abridged version. If you do not have instant pot/pressure cooker, prepare beans to bag directions (Soak, boil, etc), or use canned black beans.
• If instant pot, take 1 cup uncooked black beans, 2-2.5 cups water (or broth), some onions, cinnamon, salt, pepper (all to taste) and set pressure cooker for 25 minutes. (very abridged version). Beans should be firm but not hard; soft but not mushy. Strain and set aside until rice is done cooking.

Cook Rice

• Rice/wash rice thoroughly until water runs clear. Strain. Measure water accordingly.
• Prepare onions, jalapeno, spices and about half of your cilantro.
• If using a rice cooker, mix all ingredients (except beans) into a rice cooker pot (with washed rice) and cook to cooker instructions.

Mix away

• Once rice is done, stir and fluff. Add to large a bowl and combine with leftover cilantro, 1 cup cooked beans, chopped or sliced jalapeno and you're done!
• Enjoy 🙂

Notes

For other info on how to cook rice:

https://www.homecookedfeast.com/how-to-cook-rice/

Keyword black bean, brown rice, cilantro, cinnamon, cinnamon cilantro black bean rice, easy rice, mexican rice, mexican sides, spicy rice, white rice

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A post shared by Kai H – Home Cooked Feast (@homecookedfeast)

For some other non-Mexican-style smoked mean fun ideas….

TRY THESE OTHER UNIQUE BBQ FEAST IDEAS!

• Maple Soy Smoked Ribs
• Smoked Gochujang Ribs
• Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
• Spicy Kimchi Coleslaw
• Sriracha Green bean sweet onion salad
• Watermelon cucumber salad

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

I absolutely love Mexican and Tex-Mex food but I’m from Canada and need more tricks! Any family secrets? Any stories?

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Thanks for stopping in!

Enjoy food; enjoy life. – HCF