Rice and beans are an amazing combination. As the name implies, it’s rice prepared together with beans. It is inexpensive, nutritious, and goes with just about any meal.

Do you wish to know more about this delicacy? This discourse will get you acquainted with all you need to know about the food.

What is Rice and Beans?

Nigerian cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, and one of the most popular is the Nigerian Rice and Beans recipe. This dish is a staple in many Nigerian homes. It is simple, delicious, and very easy to cook.

Although rice and beans are two different foods that you can cook and eat separately, the truth is, that mixing both with a bit of salt and butter/oil hits home differently.

Nigerian Rice and Beans can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. It pairs well with meats, stews, Ata din-din, Chicken stew, fish stew, and vegetables. You can also top it with fried plantains for a sweet and savory combination.

What Kind of Rice is Best for Rice and Beans?

It is best to use long-grain white rice, which we used in this recipe. However, if you seek a little healthier alternative, you can go for brown rice (I love the slightly nutty flavor).

Other popular varieties of rice like Jasmine rice and Basmati would work well, too. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio depending on the type of rice you use.

Ingredients for Making Rice and Beans

The ingredients include:

Rice: You can use any variety of rice; long grain, short grain, basmati rice, and others.

Beans: The beans cook longer than the rice, so you will cook the beans first before adding rice.

Onions: We add this for flavor and sweet taste.

Salt: Put salt for taste.

Butter, coconut oil, peanut oil – We love to use flavorful oils/fats to boost the flavor of the meal. It also helps the rice and beans to come out with well-separated grains.

Water: Yes, use water, not stock, because this meal is not eaten alone. It is always eaten with tasty soups and stews.

How to Cook Rice and Beans

1. Pick the beans, rinse, and cook until tender but not mushy, about 40- 45 minutes on medium-high heat.

2. Add sliced onions and cover with some water. Leave it to cook for about 40- 45 minutes under medium-high heat until the beans are almost done. You will know it is almost done when it is almost soft.

3. Rinse the rice a couple of times until the water is clear add the rice to the beans and add butter/oil and salt to taste. Cook until it is done.

4. Serve with your preferred sauce, soup, or stew.

What else do you wish to know about rice and beans? Let us know in the comment section.