Vegan Mexican-Style Rice with Beans and Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of long-grain rice (or basmati rice)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (green, red, or mixed), chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper (optional, for spice), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup of black beans (canned, rinsed, or cooked)
• 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice:
   • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
   • In a medium pot, bring the rice and 1 1/2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spices:
   • Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes and black beans. Cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through and the tomatoes soften slightly.
5. Mix in Rice and Corn:
   • Add the cooked rice and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine well. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
   • Serve with lime wedges for a bright, tangy kick.

Serving Suggestions: This Mexican-style rice dish can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side. It’s great paired with tacos, enchiladas, or even grilled vegetables. It can also be a healthy filling for burritos or a topping for a salad.