Rice and beans is a combination that is cooked in many cultures around the world. The grain and legume combination provides several important nutrients and many calories and both foods are widely available. Rice and beans, when combined make up a complete protein and good for vegans.

My favourite rice and beans combination is a spicy bean pilaff. I make it with any type of bean in my pantry.

Serves 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp cooking oil (I use grape seed oil or sunflower oil)

• 1/2 chopped onion

• 1 green chilli slit in half

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves whole

• 1 cardamom whole

• If you don’t have above spices you can order a rice pilaff package with a plant based curry spice blend

• 2 medium potatoes 1” cubed

• 1 Roma tomato, chopped

• 1 tsp garlic paste

• 1/2 tsp cayenne (add more if you want it spicy)

• 1/2 cup of your favourite cooked beans

• 1 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1 cup washed and soaked basmati rice

• 1 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a saucepan and add chopped onion. 

2.  Add green chilly, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom and saute till onions become translucent 

3. Then add potatoes and keep stirring so the mixture does not burn.

4.  Add chopped tomato, garlic, and salt. Stir mixture about 3-5 minutes then add any choice of beans

5. Add water and let boil.

6. Once water is boiled, add washed rice and cover for about 15 minutes till you see water has evaporated and you see holes at the top.

7. Cover and simmer till potatoes are cooked through.

8. I love the combination of spicy corn on the side. Check my recipe here. Enjoy!