There are days when you just need a meal that doesn't ask for much—no fancy techniques, no long ingredient lists. That's exactly how Plain Foods came to be in my kitchen.
Advertisements1
One rainy Tuesday, with a hungry family and a bare pantry, I threw together what I had: rice, beans, and a few pantry staples. The result was so cozy and satisfying that it became a weekly request.
This dish is my reminder that good food doesn't have to be complicated. It's about using what you have and making something nourishing that brings everyone to the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
Use a good-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
1 medium onion, diced
A yellow or white onion works best. If you're in a rush, use 1 cup of frozen diced onion.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic adds the most flavor. In a pinch, use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
Rinse the rice until the water runs clear to prevent stickiness. You can use brown rice, but adjust the cooking time.
1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
Rinsing removes excess sodium. You can use pinto or kidney beans instead.
1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth. If you prefer, use fresh chopped tomatoes.
1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
Use low-sodium broth to control salt. Water works, but broth adds more flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Cumin gives a warm, earthy flavor. If you don't have it, use chili powder or smoked paprika.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness. Regular paprika works too, but the flavor will be milder.
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Adjust salt based on your broth and beans. Kosher salt is great for cooking.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground pepper is best. Adjust to your taste.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cilantro adds freshness. If you don't like it, use parsley or green onions.
Tips & Tricks
Don't skip rinsing the rice
Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing mushy rice.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot
This prevents burning and ensures even cooking.
Let it rest
After cooking, let the dish sit for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the rice absorbs any remaining liquid.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Toast the Rice
Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and coated in oil. This helps keep the grains separate.
3. Add Spices
Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the rice evenly with the spices.
4. Combine Liquids and Beans
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and black beans. Stir everything together.
5. Bring to a Boil
Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. You'll see bubbles breaking the surface.
6. Simmer Covered
Reduce heat to low (around 200°F / 95°C), cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. The rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed.
7. Rest and Fluff
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro.
Delicious Variations
Add protein
Stir in 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken or ground beef after the rice is done.
Veggie-loaded
Sauté a diced bell pepper and zucchini with the onion for extra nutrients.
Cheesy twist
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving and let it melt.
How to Store Plain Foods
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and add 1/4 cup more broth.
Q: Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the rice cooker and cook according to the rice cooker's instructions.
Q: How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the onion, or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth to compensate for the lack of liquid.
Q: What can I serve with Plain Foods?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or cornbread.
Next time you're short on time and energy, give this recipe a try. It's proof that simple ingredients can come together to make something truly comforting. Here's to a calmer home, one drawer at a time.
Plain Foods
Plain Foods is a warm, simple one-pot meal that brings comfort with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
📋 Instructions
- 1Sauté Aromatics — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 2Toast the Rice — Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is lightly toasted and coated in oil. This helps keep the grains separate.
- 3Add Spices — Sprinkle in cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the rice evenly with the spices.
- 4Combine Liquids and Beans — Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and black beans. Stir everything together.
- 5Bring to a Boil — Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. You'll see bubbles breaking the surface.
- 6Simmer Covered — Reduce heat to low (around 200°F / 95°C), cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. The rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed.
- 7Rest and Fluff — Turn off the heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and garnish with cilantro.
Elena writes about home organization and decluttering from a busy parent's perspective. She focuses on simple, low-cost systems that actually work in real life. Her articles emphasize small daily habits over perfect aesthetics.
