Cheesy Black Beans with Crispy Rice & Tomatoes

If you know me very well at all you know that I generally like meat and am generally ambivalent about vegetables. I mean they’re fine…as like…accessories to a meal. But I don’t get very jazzed up about a vegetarian meal. It’s like the old Wendy’s commercial growing up…where’s the beef!? That being said…this meal kit from Dinnerly was fantastic. I’m surprised I ordered it, even more surprised how much we liked it and I’ll be shocked if you don’t like it too.

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Serving Size: 4 servings

Chef: Dinnerly

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Crispy Rice & Tomatoes

It doesn't sound amazing, but IT IS. Trust.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
• 4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 lb. fresh plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 ounces sharp white cheddar, coarsely grated
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve until water runs clear. Add to a medium saucepan along with 3 cups water and 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil.
2. Cover and cook over low until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 17 minutes.
3. Heat garlic and 2 tsp oil in a medium ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium until fragrant, 1 minute. Add 1 T taco spice; cook, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, beans, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, and a few grinds pepper. Cook until tomatoes are soft, 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Wipe out skillet.
4. Heat 2 T oil in same skillet over medium-high until shimmering; gently swirl to coat the skillet with oil. Add cooked rice. Using a spatula, press firmly into an even layer, pushing rice up the sides. Cook without disturbing until rice is fragrant and bottom is beginning to brown, 8-10 minutes.
5. Preheat broiler with top rack 4-6 inches from heat source. Spoon beans and tomatoes over rice. Top with cheese. Broil on top oven rack until cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown, 2-3 minutes (watch closely).

Notes

Take it to the next level with pickled onions or shallots: marinate onion or shallot in lemon juice for 20-30 minutes (minimum).

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