Cilantro Lime Rice and Beans
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This cilantro lime rice recipe isn’t even trying to be a Chipotle copycat because it’s better! I love rice and usually, it’s on my plate as a side dish, but I have to say, this packs a hearty punch and is perfect as both a side dish and a main entree! The first time I made this I used only the lime juice, and I added it after the rice was cooked, but I still couldn’t get that hint of lime that I wanted. Don’t misunderstand, it was still really good, but I wanted to taste a little more lime, after all, lime is in the name of the recipe! As I continued to play with the recipe, I realized what I was leaving out, lime zest, duh! I am a fan of using citrus zest in everything, it finishes off a dish beautifully, I mean Triple Berry Sauce—need I say more?! The next time I made it I used beef broth instead of water, and added the zest of one lime to the cooking water. What a difference those two little tweaks made. This recipe is incredibly simple and great for meal planning and prep. I love using this in my burrito bowls, chimichangas, as a side with Mexican Chicken, but it also makes a really great main entree with a nice side salad, especially for those meatless Mondays (just make it with vegetable broth or water).
I prepared this in my Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 8qt Multi-Cooker (affiliate link), but you can use any pressure cooker, rice cooker, or even your stovetop. The cooking instructions will vary if using a rice cooker or your stovetop, so be sure to follow the rice the liquid to rice ratios and cook times recommended by those methods if not using a pressure cooker. Below I’ve listed a few helpful hints about this recipe:
Can I freeze this?
Yes! In fact, it’s a great dish to make-ahead and freeze in individual portions for easy lunches or busy weeknight dinners. Just make sure you use airtight containers or freezer bags to keep it fresh as the day you cooked it! When you’re ready to reheat, do not “slow thaw” the rice and beans in the refrigerator or on the countertop, or the rice will get mushy. Either reheat from frozen in a frying pan or saucepan with a tablespoon or two of water breaking the rice apart as it heats or simply microwave in one-minute increments stirring in between increments. It helps to put a glass of water in the microwave to prevent the loss of moisture while reheating.
Can I use different beans?
Absolutely, use what you have. I love black beans, but any cooked or canned beans would work. Dried beans would require cooking separately first.
Do I have to use brown rice?
No, you can use your favorite rice, however, cooking times vary greatly between rice styles. I love this recipe with basmati rice, but I adjust the cooking time and liquid for optimal results. For basmati rice some soak it first, I just rinse it, use equal parts liquid, and rice. Then cook on high pressure for six minutes then allow a ten-minute natural release. I have only tested this recipe with brown rice and basmati rice (not the brown basmati).
Do I need a pressure cooker to make this?
No, you can make this in your rice cooker or on your stovetop. But be sure to follow the instructions specific to the cooking vessel you are using.
I’m a big fan of creating and adapting recipes to fit my tastes, cooking (and life) style, that’s why many of my recipes can be adapted by you to fit your tastes and cooking style. I like simple and quick recipes that can be ready for a meal or used in my weekly meal plans. I love it when I can cook once and then create an entire week’s worth of different dinners with one dish. So, now there’s nothing left to say except go make this!!!
Cilantro Lime Rice and Beans
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown rice
- 2¼ cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth (you can also use water)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 packet Sazon Goya Coriander & Annatto Seasoning
- 1 can(15.5oz) black beans
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- ½ cup jalapeno or green pepper, diced (I always use jalapeno)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice plus the zest of one lime
- 1 tbsp lime zest (1 lime)
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water in fine mesh collander until water runs clear.
- *Pour broth or water into the inside pot of pressure cooker, add salt, seasoning, zest, and then the rice. Give a little stir and then make sure the rice is submerged. Set to high-pressure for 23 minutes then allow natural release. While the rice is cooking, drain and rinse your beans.
- When pressure is released, (be sure the valve has dropped), carefully remove the lid and stir in beans, lime juice, cilantro, and peppers. Replace lid and allow to heat through. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The New Year has arrived, and with it that rush of urgency, most of us feel to get "it" done. I mean, I get it. It`s like the mother of all fresh starts.
BUT, that intensity in which we attack the New Year tends to fade quickly, and we eventually fall into the familiar pattern of starting tomorrow--every week--until the next New Year.
But what if this year you get "it"--whatever "it" may be for you--done one day at a time?
👉Practice consistency instead of intensity.
👉Treat each day as a fresh start.
👉 Every decision you make is an opportunity for self correction.
👉Celebrate your wins, and give yourself grace when you make mistakes.
👉Take a break, but don`t quit.
Most of all, remember that failure is not fatal, and success is never final; your journey is about progress, not perfection.
So, Happy New Day🎉
xo Lisa
The New Year has arrived, and with it that rush of urgency, most of us feel to get "it" done. I mean, I get it. It`s like the mother of all fresh starts.
BUT, that intensity in which we attack the New Year tends to fade quickly, and we eventually fall into the familiar pattern of starting tomorrow--every week--until the next New Year.
But what if this year you get "it"--whatever "it" may be for you--done one day at a time?
👉Practice consistency instead of intensity.
👉Treat each day as a fresh start.
👉 Every decision you make is an opportunity for self correction.
👉Celebrate your wins, and give yourself grace when you make mistakes.
👉Take a break, but don`t quit.
Most of all, remember that failure is not fatal, and success is never final; your journey is about progress, not perfection.
So, Happy New Day🎉
xo Lisa
Sunday, I enjoyed a few cookies during our family cookie bake.
Last night for dinner, I enjoyed half a turkey & cheese sub (from our favorite sub shop) and some seasoned waffle fries prepared in my air-fryer.
For breakfast today, I enjoyed mixed greens and a spicy feta mushroom omelet.
My point? Sometimes I choose the cookie, and sometimes I choose the salad.
See, our food choices aren`t the problem. Our mindset is. A few cookies don`t have the power to shove us off the proverbial wagon--that`s a mindset thing.
Embrace the joy of the season, and keep making progress one choice at a time!
xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossmotivation #trusttheprocess #bigfatskinnydish
Sunday, I enjoyed a few cookies during our family cookie bake.
Last night for dinner, I enjoyed half a turkey & cheese sub (from our favorite sub shop) and some seasoned waffle fries prepared in my air-fryer.
For breakfast today, I enjoyed mixed greens and a spicy feta mushroom omelet.
My point? Sometimes I choose the cookie, and sometimes I choose the salad.
See, our food choices aren`t the problem. Our mindset is. A few cookies don`t have the power to shove us off the proverbial wagon--that`s a mindset thing.
Embrace the joy of the season, and keep making progress one choice at a time!
xo Lisa
#transformationtuesday #weightlossmotivation #trusttheprocess #bigfatskinnydish
Saturday shopping hits different in the fall. Don`t ya think?
#fallvibes #bigfatskinnydish #wegmanshaul #holidayseason
Saturday shopping hits different in the fall. Don`t ya think?
#fallvibes #bigfatskinnydish #wegmanshaul #holidayseason
The seasons in our lives serve us in many different ways--but very few had more of an impact on the trajectory of my life than my time in the United States Navy.
To serve was truly an honor, but for me, the experience of serving was a gift that helped shape the rest of my life.
So, to all who have served, and all who continue to make the choice to serve; thank you for your service.
Happy Veteran`s Day!
xo Lisa
#veteran #VeteransDay #givethanks #usnavy
The seasons in our lives serve us in many different ways--but very few had more of an impact on the trajectory of my life than my time in the United States Navy.
To serve was truly an honor, but for me, the experience of serving was a gift that helped shape the rest of my life.
So, to all who have served, and all who continue to make the choice to serve; thank you for your service.
Happy Veteran`s Day!
xo Lisa
#veteran #VeteransDay #givethanks #usnavy
Yesterday, I had wilty veggies in the produce drawer, leftover rotisserie chicken, and some frozen mini wontons; I turned it into lunch.
I did not follow a recipe, I used what I had, and mostly measured with my heart. But here`s what I do know:
3 (hearty) servings
3 WW points
24 mini wonton (got at Costco)
6 oz cooked chicken breast
4 c chicken broth
veggies (I used green beans, and boy choy, green & red pepper, jalapeno pepper)
about 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
about 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
Garlic powder
Sriracha Sauce
Dried soup greens
PS. I know to most of you it`s just a recipe for soup, but there was a lesson in it for me; start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!
Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnydish #bigfatskinnyrecipes #weightlossjourney #eatgreatloseweight #soupweather
Yesterday, I had wilty veggies in the produce drawer, leftover rotisserie chicken, and some frozen mini wontons; I turned it into lunch.
I did not follow a recipe, I used what I had, and mostly measured with my heart. But here`s what I do know:
3 (hearty) servings
3 WW points
24 mini wonton (got at Costco)
6 oz cooked chicken breast
4 c chicken broth
veggies (I used green beans, and boy choy, green & red pepper, jalapeno pepper)
about 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
about 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
Garlic powder
Sriracha Sauce
Dried soup greens
PS. I know to most of you it`s just a recipe for soup, but there was a lesson in it for me; start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can!
Have an awesome day!
xo Lisa
#bigfatskinnydish #bigfatskinnyrecipes #weightlossjourney #eatgreatloseweight #soupweather
"If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu
Change is hard. I get that it`s unavoidable—but still, for me, it`s hard.
I like things the way they are. I like my routines, the way I take my coffee, and my side of the bed. I don`t want different; I want familiar and comfortable. Can you relate?
But here`s the thing, comfort is usually in direct opposition to growth. In order to grow, change is a necessity. Transformation starts with a change in thinking.
How we think spills into how we act, and even how we identify ourselves. As challenging as it is, I am continuing to learn to embrace change, not just in my actions--but also in how I think.
So, here`s to thinking differently, acting boldly, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Change might be tough, but it`s where your personal journey of transformation will truly begin.
xo Lisa 💜
#transformationtuesday #ChangeYourMindset #mindsetmatters
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnywisdom
"If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu
Change is hard. I get that it`s unavoidable—but still, for me, it`s hard.
I like things the way they are. I like my routines, the way I take my coffee, and my side of the bed. I don`t want different; I want familiar and comfortable. Can you relate?
But here`s the thing, comfort is usually in direct opposition to growth. In order to grow, change is a necessity. Transformation starts with a change in thinking.
How we think spills into how we act, and even how we identify ourselves. As challenging as it is, I am continuing to learn to embrace change, not just in my actions--but also in how I think.
So, here`s to thinking differently, acting boldly, and becoming the best version of ourselves.
Change might be tough, but it`s where your personal journey of transformation will truly begin.
xo Lisa 💜
#transformationtuesday #ChangeYourMindset #mindsetmatters
#bigfatskinnydish
#bigfatskinnywisdom
#Saturdaysnack idea.
This is one from way back. Quick, easy and super delicious!
Crispy Fried Parmesan Zucchini served with my almost famous Mama Mia Marinara. (OR use your favorite marina sauce!)
Here`s how to make it.
1/2 small zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
9g Extra Crispy Shake `n Bake
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp farm dust
Avocado Oil cooking Spray
Slice zucchini into rounds, add farm dust (or salt) to beaten egg. Mix Shake `n Bake and cheese. Dip zucchini rounds into egg then coat with the Shake `n Bake mixture. Give a nice, healthy spritz of avocado oil cooking spray and air fry for 11 minutes at 390, flipping once halfway through. #notadiet #eatgreatloseweight #bigfatskinnysnacks #weightwatchers #wwcommunity
#Saturdaysnack idea.
This is one from way back. Quick, easy and super delicious!
Crispy Fried Parmesan Zucchini served with my almost famous Mama Mia Marinara. (OR use your favorite marina sauce!)
Here`s how to make it.
1/2 small zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
9g Extra Crispy Shake `n Bake
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/4 tsp farm dust
Avocado Oil cooking Spray
Slice zucchini into rounds, add farm dust (or salt) to beaten egg. Mix Shake `n Bake and cheese. Dip zucchini rounds into egg then coat with the Shake `n Bake mixture. Give a nice, healthy spritz of avocado oil cooking spray and air fry for 11 minutes at 390, flipping once halfway through. #notadiet #eatgreatloseweight #bigfatskinnysnacks #weightwatchers #wwcommunity
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