Rice and Beans from Costa Vida features seasoned cilantro-lime rice paired with slow-cooked black beans, garnished with fresh cilantro and a hint of tangy lime, delivering a savory and vibrant side dish with a fluffy, hearty texture.
Equipments
- Rice cooker or pot
- Large saucepan or pot
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans
- 1/2 small yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Fresh cilantro and lime juice are essential to achieve the authentic cilantro-lime flavor in the Rice and Beans from Costa Vida, so be sure to use fresh ingredients rather than dried or bottled substitutes. Using canned black beans provides convenience, but rinsing them before cooking helps reduce excess sodium and improves taste. The combination of ground cumin, chili powder, and black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth, so measure spices carefully to balance the dish. Cooking the rice with olive oil and salt enhances its texture and flavor, ensuring a fluffy and aromatic base. Your homemade Rice and Beans from Costa Vida copycat menu will capture the vibrant, savory essence of the original, making it a delicious and satisfying side dish.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly under cool water.
- Add rice, water, olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt to the rice cooker or pot.
- Cook rice according to rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes on low if using a pot.
- While rice cooks, drain and rinse black beans.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sauté onion for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, until beans are heated through.
- Chop fresh cilantro.
- Juice the limes.
- When rice is done, fluff with a fork.
- Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice into the rice.
- Spoon rice onto plates, top with black beans.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime if desired.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Rice and Beans from Costa Vida copycat menu combines cilantro-lime rice with slow-cooked black beans for a fresh and flavorful side dish. If fresh cilantro is unavailable, you can substitute with dried cilantro or fresh parsley to maintain a vibrant herbaceous note. When fresh limes are not accessible, bottled lime juice can be used, though it may slightly reduce the brightness of the dish. For cooking the rice, a rice cooker can simplify the process, but a pot with a tight-fitting lid also works well to achieve fluffy texture. Be mindful to rinse canned black beans before use to reduce sodium and improve the overall flavor of your dish.
Tips
Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, non-sticky grains. Use freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro to maximize the vibrant flavors typical of Costa Vida's rice and beans. When sauteing onions and garlic, avoid browning to maintain a mild, savory taste in the beans. Stir the rice gently with a fork after cooking to keep the texture light and mix in your cilantro and lime evenly.
Nutritions
Rice and Beans from Costa Vida offers a balanced nutritional profile rich in complex carbohydrates from long-grain white rice and plant-based protein and fiber found in black beans. The addition of fresh cilantro and lime juice provides antioxidants and essential vitamins like vitamin C, supporting immune health. This dish contains heart-healthy fats from olive oil and a variety of spices such as cumin and chili powder, which may aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory benefits. Your meal delivers sustained energy with a fluffy texture and deep savory flavors, ideal for a nutritious, satisfying side or main dish.
Storage
Store leftover rice and beans in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate your dish promptly and consume within 3-4 days to ensure optimal flavor and safety. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed to restore the rice's fluffy texture.
Variation or Alternatives
Try using brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber content and add a nuttier flavor to the dish. Substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans for a different texture and taste profile. You can also cook the beans with a bay leaf or smoked paprika to deepen the flavor complexity. Before serving, mix a small amount of chopped jalapeno into the beans if you prefer a spicier side that suits your taste.
Allergies
Rice and Beans from Costa Vida may pose allergy concerns primarily due to cilantro, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Garlic and onions, also present in the dish, are known allergens for some people with allium sensitivities. If you have any known food allergies, especially to these ingredients, it's important to verify the recipe or consult with a medical professional before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Costa Vida's Rice and Beans dish is celebrated for its authentic flavors, combining perfectly cooked rice with seasoned black beans, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal. The menu item is enriched with fresh ingredients and traditional spices, creating a balanced taste that appeals to a wide range of palates. You'll appreciate the ease of replicating this flavorful dish at home, making it cost-effective while providing the same nutritious and comforting experience. Crafting a copycat recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality Rice and Beans anytime, tailored to your taste preferences.