Black Bean and Rice Medley: Brown and Wild Rice Combo

This hearty dish combines the nutty flavors of brown and wild rice with protein-packed black beans for a satisfying and nutritious meal. It's easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and perfect as a main or a tasty side.

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TIME55 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.0 / 5

Black Bean and Rice Medley: Brown and Wild Rice Combo

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

3 (14 ounce) cans vegetable broth ¾ cup wild rice ¾ cup brown rice 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons dry sherry 1 tablespoon minced garlic ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (4 ounce) can shiitake mushrooms, drained 1 tablespoon dried parsley

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by pouring the vegetable broth into a saucepan, then add the wild rice, brown rice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes. Once the rice has absorbed some of the liquid, stir in the balsamic vinegar, sherry, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cardamom. Pop the lid back on and let it simmer for another 10 minutes so all those flavors can meld together. Next, mix in the black beans, mushrooms, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley. Keep cooking everything on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the whole mixture is warmed through—this should take around 10 to 15 minutes. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and improve texture.
- Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water to add extra flavor to the rice.
- Let the rice rest covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow it to finish steaming and become fluffier.

Why you’ll love it

This dish is a nutritious and satisfying blend of hearty brown and wild rice combined with protein-rich black beans. It offers a great balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for a wholesome meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices and vegetables.

Serving ideas

Serve this medley as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with fresh salsa, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream. Adding a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors and add a fresh touch.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. This dish also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.