Spanish Rice and Beans – Food Faith Fitness

A bold vegan bowl brimming with classic fiesta flavors and plenty of fiber.

Originally inspired by Mexican rice and beans, this one-bowl meal is the whole package. Not only is it mildly spicy, it’s also got plenty of protein and fiber to support a balanced vegan diet. So if you’re in need of a plant-based energy boost, this recipe will fill that bill any time of day!

Once or twice, I’ve made this for breakfast with a fried egg and a side of toast. But you can easily keep it fully vegan by serving it with Scrambled Tofu instead. How you serve it depends on the occasion and your preferences, but whether you’re whipping it up for an easy dinner or a Latin-fusion brunch, this dish won’t disappoint.

As an homage to easy family cooking, the ingredients aren’t only healthy, they’re also affordable and highly accessible. Most people have rice and beans in their pantry, but if you don’t, I highly recommend stocking up now before winter! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s down-to-earth, simple, and uses a wholesome combination of canned and fresh foods.

Is Spanish Rice and Beans Healthy?

With this recipe, what you see is what you get, and it’s as fun to look at as it is to taste! While tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients, the stars of the show are obviously the kidney beans and the rice, which offer protein and fiber. Overall, this recipe is a plant-based paradise for those who have vegan, vegetarian, and sugar-free diets. It can also be gluten-free, just make sure to check your broth label to make sure it’s completely free from any gluten.

My Three Bean Breakfast Bowl

Sometimes I like to add two other kinds of beans to the mix—black and pinto. You can add others if you have favorites, but these varieties are customary in Hispanic-inspired eating. To start the day on a protein-rich note, I add a couple of fried eggs and a dash or two of my favorite hot sauce. Instead of parsley, I’ll garnish with fresh cilantro and slices of avocado. If you want to play with the flavors in a fun way, you can also sprinkle on some “Everything Bagel” seasoning. Pair with your favorite juice or smoothie and have a fiesta!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauté

Cook onion and spices in oil.

Simmer

Add rice, tomatoes, and broth; cook until tender.

Finish

Mix in beans, rest, and garnish with parsley.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

Serving Suggestions

Other than my breakfast bowl recommendation, I suggest serving this dish with Green Chicken Enchiladas or these Crock-Pot Chicken Enchiladas. For breakfast, you could use it as filling in an Egg Wrap, just like a breakfast taco. Or, to keep it 100% vegan, try this Spanish rice and beans alongside these Tasty Tofu Tacos (just swap the sour cream for a plant-based alternative).