Why this fits a family on a budget
Canned black beans and plantains are among the most affordable ingredients at any US grocery store, keeping each serving around $1.70. The one-skillet method means everything is done in 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• 30 oz canned black beans
• 2 whole ripe plantains
• 10 oz canned diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 2 cups instant white rice
• 1 whole green bell pepper
• 1 whole yellow onion
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 whole lime
1. Peel the plantains and slice them on a slight diagonal into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Look for plantains with mostly black or very yellow skin — these are sweet and ripe, which is what you want.
2. Dice the onion and green bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Add the plantain slices in a single layer.
4. Cook plantains for 3 minutes per side without moving them, until they are deep golden-brown on each flat side. They should look caramelized and slightly crispy at the edges. Remove from pan and set aside.
5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the onion and green bell pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
6. Add the minced garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
7. Drain and rinse the canned black beans, then add them to the skillet along with the canned diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir to combine.
8. Reduce heat to medium and simmer the bean mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces slightly and the beans are heated through and look glossy.
9. While the beans simmer, cook the instant rice according to package directions.
10. Gently nestle the cooked plantain slices back into the skillet on top of the bean mixture. Squeeze the lime over everything. Serve directly from the skillet alongside the rice.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.