Rice & Beans

Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans

Name: Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried pinto beans, sorted and rinsed; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 can diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed; 1 cup uncooked white rice; Salt and pepper to taste

By Rhys Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Beans

Prep30 min

Cook60 min

Total90 min

Serves4

Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans — Savor the flavors of Oaxaca

As a child, I spent countless hours in the kitchen with my abuela, watching her prepare traditional Oaxacan dishes that filled our home with warmth and love. One of my favorite recipes she taught me was her Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans, a simple yet flavorful dish that has become a staple in our family.

What I love about this recipe is the way it combines the creaminess of beans with the subtle crunch of toasted rice, all infused with the deep, smoky flavors of charred onions and chiles. It's a true reflection of Oaxacan cuisine, where every ingredient is carefully selected and prepared to bring out the best flavors.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making authentic Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans, just like my abuela taught me. From toasting the chiles to simmering the beans, every step is crucial in creating a dish that's both nourishing and delicious.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine, and it's also a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So, let's get started and create a dish that will transport you to the heart of Oaxaca!

As we cook, remember that the key to making great Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans is to take your time and be patient. Don't rush the process, and make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. With a little practice, you'll be making this dish like a pro, and it will become a favorite in your household, just like it is in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The dish is perfect for vegetarians and vegans, and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs
It's a delicious and authentic Mexican recipe that's sure to become a favorite
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets
It's a great way to explore the rich flavors of Oaxacan cuisine and learn about the culture and traditions behind the dish

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans lies in the way the ingredients are prepared and combined. By toasting the chiles and onions, we bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, which is then balanced by the creaminess of the beans and the subtle crunch of the rice.

The use of aromatic spices like cumin and oregano adds another layer of complexity to the dish, while the acidity of the tomato helps to cut through the richness of the beans. It's a delicate balance of flavors, but one that's easy to achieve with a little practice and patience.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the way the ingredients are cooked. By simmering the beans in a flavorful broth, we can coax out their natural sweetness and tenderness, while the rice is cooked to a perfect creaminess. It's a dish that's both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make authentic Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans, you'll need a few key ingredients, including dried beans, aromatic spices, and fresh produce. Don't worry if you can't find all of the ingredients in your local supermarket - many of them can be substituted or found in specialty stores.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest and highest-quality options available. This will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish, and will help to ensure that your Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans turn out delicious and authentic.

1 cup dried pinto beans, sorted and rinsedDried pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and are essential for making authentic Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans. Be sure to sort and rinse the beans before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
2 cups waterWater is used to cook the beans and create a flavorful broth. Use fresh, cold water for the best results.
1 tablespoon olive oilOlive oil is used to toast the chiles and onions, and to add flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality olive oil for the best results.
2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seededDried arbol chiles are a key ingredient in Oaxacan cuisine, and add a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. Be sure to stem and seed the chiles before using them.
1 small onion, choppedOnion is used to add flavor and texture to the dish. Choose a small, sweet onion for the best results.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is used to add flavor and aroma to the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality garlic for the best results.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin is a staple spice in Mexican cuisine, and adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality cumin for the best results.
1 teaspoon dried oreganoOregano is used to add flavor and aroma to the dish. Choose a high-quality oregano for the best results.
1 can diced tomatoes, drained and rinsedDiced tomatoes are used to add flavor and moisture to the dish. Choose a high-quality tomato product for the best results.
1 cup uncooked white riceWhite rice is used to add texture and flavor to the dish. Choose a high-quality rice for the best results.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are used to season the dish and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality salt and pepper for the best results.

Ingredients for Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot with a lid, for cooking the beansComal or griddle, for toasting the chiles and onionsCutting board, for chopping the onion and garlicMeasuring cups and spoons, for measuring the ingredientsInstant-read thermometer, for checking the temperature of the beansColander, for draining and rinsing the beans

How to Make Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans

1
Rinse the dried pinto beans and remove any debris or impurities. In a large heavy pot, combine the beans and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beans are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
2
While the beans are cooking, toast the dried arbol chiles on a comal or griddle over medium heat, turning frequently, until fragrant and slightly puffed, about 5 minutes. Remove the chiles from the heat and let them cool.
3
Once the chiles have cooled, stem and seed them, then chop them into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Stir in the chopped chiles, ground cumin, and dried oregano, and cook for 1 minute.
5
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened and the flavors have melded together, about 10 minutes.
6
Once the beans have finished cooking, drain and rinse them with cold water. Add the cooked beans to the skillet with the tomato mixture, and stir to combine.
7
In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of water over medium heat. Add the uncooked white rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
8
Add 2 cups of water to the saucepan with the rice, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
9
To serve, combine the cooked beans and rice in a large bowl, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any desired toppings, such as diced onion, chopped fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.
10
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any excess liquid.
11
Serve the Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans hot, garnished with any desired toppings or garnishes.

Expert Tips

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results
Don't overcook the beans or rice, as this can make them mushy and unappetizing
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any excess liquid
Experiment with different toppings and garnishes to find your favorite way to serve the dish
Consider making a double batch of the recipe, as it freezes well and can be reheated for a quick and easy meal
For a vegetarian or vegan version of the recipe, simply omit the chicken broth and use a vegetable broth instead
To add some heat to the dish, you can add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the skillet with the onion and garlic
For a more intense flavor, you can use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of the dried arbol chiles

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not sorting and rinsing the dried beans before cooking, which can result in debris or impurities in the finished dish
Not toasting the chiles and onions properly, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the finished dish
Overcooking the beans or rice, which can make them mushy and unappetizing
Not letting the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the finished dish
Not using fresh, high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lack of flavor and texture in the finished dish
Not experimenting with different toppings and garnishes, which can result in a boring and unappetizing finished dish

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced chicken or beef to the skillet with the onion and garlic, for a heartier and more filling version of the recipe
Using different types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a unique and interesting flavor
Adding diced bell peppers or zucchini to the skillet with the onion and garlic, for a flavorful and nutritious twist on the recipe
Using different types of rice, such as brown rice or jasmine rice, for a unique and interesting texture
Adding a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as queso fresco or feta, to the top of the dish before serving, for a creamy and indulgent touch
Using different types of chiles, such as Anaheim or poblano, for a unique and interesting flavor
Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the dish before serving, for a bright and refreshing flavor

What to Serve With Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans

Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Consider serving it as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a side dish, alongside grilled meats or vegetables. For a fun and interactive meal, consider setting up a toppings bar with diced onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and a variety of salsas and hot sauces.

Some other ideas for serving Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans include using it as a filling for tacos or burritos, or serving it as a base for a bowl meal, topped with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and a fried egg. You can also use it as a side dish for a barbecue or picnic, or as a comforting and satisfying meal on a cold winter night.

Serve with diced onion and chopped fresh cilantroAdd a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright and refreshing flavorUse as a filling for tacos or burritosServe as a side dish alongside grilled meats or vegetablesAdd a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as queso fresco or feta, for a creamy and indulgent touchUse as a base for a bowl meal, topped with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and a fried egg

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cook the beans and rice, then combine them in a large bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat as needed.

To reheat the dish, simply microwave it for 2-3 minutes, or until hot and steaming. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, stirring constantly, until hot and steaming. Be sure to add a splash of water to the dish if it seems dry or thick, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

When storing Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans, be sure to use airtight containers and to label them clearly with the date and contents. This will help you to keep track of how long the dish has been stored, and to ensure that it remains fresh and flavorful.

Some other tips for storing and reheating Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans include using a thermometer to ensure that the dish is heated to a safe internal temperature, and stirring the dish constantly as it reheats to prevent scorching or sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beans should I use for Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans?

Dried pinto beans are the traditional choice for Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans, but you can also use other types of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for a unique and interesting flavor.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

While canned beans can be convenient, they are not the best choice for Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans. Dried beans have a richer, more complex flavor and a better texture, and are worth the extra time and effort to cook.

How do I toast the chiles and onions for Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans?

To toast the chiles and onions, simply heat a comal or griddle over medium heat, then add the chiles and onions and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly puffed, about 5 minutes.

Can I add other ingredients to Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans?

Yes, you can add a variety of ingredients to Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans to suit your tastes and preferences. Some ideas include diced chicken or beef, diced bell peppers or zucchini, and a sprinkle of grated cheese.

How do I store Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans?

Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply cook the beans and rice, then combine them in a large bowl and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

Can I serve Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans as a main course?

Yes, Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans can be served as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it as a side dish, alongside grilled meats or vegetables.

Is Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans spicy?

Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans can be spicy, depending on the type and amount of chiles used. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use fewer or milder chiles, or omit the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat.

Can I make Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Oaxacan Style Rice And Beans ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve. Simply cook the beans and rice, then combine them in a large bowl and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

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