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Cozy One-Pot Jailhouse Rice Recipe

one-pot jailhouse rice - featured image

A simple, comforting one-pot meal combining rice, beans, and spices for a cozy, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (270g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 ½ cups (270g) of long-grain white rice under cold water until it runs clear. Drain well and set aside. Chop 1 medium onion, mince 3 garlic cloves, and dice 1 bell pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, careful not to let it burn.
  3. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to toast the rice and add a nutty flavor.
  4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the rice and vegetables evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of chicken or vegetable broth, then stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid frequently.
  7. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered, for another 5-7 minutes to allow the rice to finish absorbing moisture.
  8. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in chopped fresh cilantro if using. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

Toast the rice to add a nutty flavor and prevent mushiness. Avoid lifting the lid frequently during simmering to keep steam trapped for even cooking. Adjust liquid if rice is drying out or too wet. Use broth instead of water for better flavor. Rinse canned beans well to avoid metallic taste. Resting the rice after cooking improves texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot meal, jailhouse rice, comfort food, easy dinner, rice and beans, quick recipe, cozy meal