Have you ever had one of those nights where you’re tired, everyone’s hungry and nothing is planned for dinner? I’ve had way to many of those evenings to count! This meal is perfect for those nights with a little help from the freezer or pantry.  It can be ready in 35 minutes or less, is very inexpensive, filling and delicious.  Start the rice, while it’s cooking get the bean mixture cooking then make the guacamole.

Tami’s Rice and Beans

Rice

1 1/2 cups raw brown rice or 3 cups cooked (regular takes 35 minutes, you can also use quick cooking, have           some frozen or use leftover rice)

3 cups water or broth

Start rice and water boiling, add 1/2 tsp salt if not using broth. Turn down to low for approximately 30 minutes.

Black Bean Mixture

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (I cook mine ahead and then freeze)

1/2 yellow onion

1-2 cloves of garlic

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

Chili powder (optional)

Diced fresh cilantro to taste

In a frying pan heat a small amount of oil or water.  Saute onion, garlic, black beans, cumin and coriander until onion is cooked adding water 1 tbsp at a time if things start sticking to the bottom.  Add cilantro.  It will look slightly dry and the beans will start to crumble a bit.

Guacamole

4-5 ripe avocados

1/4 white or red onion diced

1 clove garlic diced

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 jalapeno pepper (optional)

Zest and juice of one lime or more if desired

Diced cilantro

Mash avocado until slightly chunky.  Add the rest of the ingredients and mix.

Put a scoop of rice on the plate, add the bean mixture, top with guacamole and any other topping you might enjoy.  Sometimes we add black olives, hot sauce, salsa or a bit of cheese.  In my books this is a complete meal but feel free to add more veggies if you’d like!  This also makes a great filling for a tortilla, can be scooped up with tortilla chips and as leftovers the next day.  If there’s any guacamole left squeeze a bit more lime juice over the top to keep it from going brown.

Please feel free to print and share this recipe.

Make today a healthy and happy day!

#fasthealthydinner #cheapeats #riceandbeans #guacamole

I couldn’t get the title to format properly.  I’m going for “done is better than perfect” approach!