Effortless Vegan Black Beans and Rice: Perfect for Meal Prep
The Ultimate RV-Friendly Comfort FoodThis is one of my must-haves for travel days or chilly camping evenings: Vegan Black Beans and Rice. Not only is this dish delicious and easy to make, but it’s also perfect for meal prepping. Whether you’re powering through a long drive or setting up camp, having a hearty, pre-made meal is a total game-changer.Why you’ll love this recipe for meal prep:- Quick and efficient: Use a food processor to dice veggies in no time. - Travel-ready: Warm, flavorful, and hearty to keep your energy up during busy days.- Microwave-friendly: Reheats beautifully for those quick pitstops. - Versatile: Pair with tortilla chips, top with a fresh salad, or enjoy as-is for a satisfying meal on the go. Ready to elevate your RV cooking game? Let’s dive in!
Equipment
- Food Processor (optional): For quickly chopping vegetables; Will cut prep time in half!
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Spoon
- Meal Prep Containers
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 jalapeño (optional for spice lovers)
- 1 lime, juice of
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (or adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp Better-than-Bouillon Base (or 1 veggie bouillon cube)
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 cup Royal Blend rice (or your favorite rice mix)
- 1 15 oz can black beands (or 2 cups pre-cooked beans)
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies (Food Processor Hack!):If you’re short on time, toss the garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño into a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. This step makes cooking quicker and keeps your prep hassle-free.
- Cook the Base:Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the prepped veggies and sauté until softened—about 5 minutes. Stir in the cumin, paprika, cayenne, and chili powder. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute.
- Add Rice and Liquid:Pour in the water and bouillon base, stirring well. Bring to a boil, add the rice, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Mix in the Good Stuff:Fold in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Let the mixture sit off heat for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Portion and Store:Divide into meal prep containers while still warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before sealing.
Notes
How to Enjoy on Travel Days
- Quick Reheat: Pop a container in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Tortilla Chip Pairing: Scoop it up with crunchy tortilla chips for a no-fuss meal.
- Add a Salad (my fav!): Top with a handful of greens for extra freshness.
- Boost with Avocado: Add a few slices for creaminess and extra nutrition.
- Add More Veggies: Zucchini, carrots, or spinach work great here.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing.
- Try Epazote: This traditional herb enhances flavor and aids digestion, especially with beans.
- Use Alternative Rice: I'm a fan of RiceSelect Royal Rice. This recipe also works well with jasmine rice, basmati rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a slightly nutty flavor and added protein. If you're looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great substitute—just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe to stock up for busy weeks.
- Freeze Portions: Store individual servings in freezer-safe containers for future travel days.
- Keep It Fresh: Add fresh garnishes (like avocado or cilantro) right before eating.
- Mix It Up: Serve with tortillas, wrap it into burritos, or even top baked potatoes for variety.
- Embrace Multi-Tasking Tools: A multi-purpose pot or Instant Pot can work wonders in small spaces.
- Pre-Prep Ingredients: Use a compact food processor to quickly prep veggies while being mindful of limited RV storage space. Also, measure spices and set them aside on a small plate of prepping bowl before cooking to increase efficiency.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe to have extras to store in your fridge or freezer for quick meals later.
- Stay Organized: Invest in a magnetic measuring spoons set, stacking kitchen utensils and stackable, lightweight containers to maximize precious storage space.
- Clean as You Cook: Minimize clutter and stress in your tiny RV kitchen.