Smoky Paprika Rice with Spinach & Black Beans

This comforting, flavor-packed rice bowl is one of my favorite weeknight staples, smoky, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. It’s made with pantry ingredients and a handful of fresh or frozen produce, then finished with a creamy tahini drizzle that brings everything together. The Harvard Nutrition Source notes that spinach is rich in iron, vitamin K, and folate — nutrients that support energy and overall vitality. It is delicious warm for dinner and even better the next day for lunch. This recipe was created in collaboration with my AI assistant, Copilot, when I was looking for a delicious way to use up leftover rice, black beans, and spinach, and it quickly became a favorite. For more nourishing plant-based meals, explore our guide on eating healthy on a busy schedule.

You can double the batch for easy leftovers, and store it in these glass containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Ingredients

For the rice bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 oz fresh spinach (or use frozen—thawed and squeezed dry)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Sea salt to taste
• Optional: pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for heat

For the smoky tahini drizzle:

• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1–2 tbsp water (to thin)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Make the rice bowl:

1. Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden and fragrant.
2. Add spinach: Stir in spinach with a pinch of salt and paprika. Cook until wilted (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Mix rice and beans: Add cooked rice and black beans. Sprinkle in paprika and cumin. Stir well to coat.
4. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add chili flakes for heat if desired.

Make the drizzle:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and sea salt.
2. Add water gradually until the drizzle reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle generously over the rice bowl
• Top with a fried egg for extra protein
• Add lemon zest or vinegar for brightness
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro

This post contains affiliate links to products I genuinely use and love. If you choose to purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Peacefully Proven.

#PeacefullyProven #PlantBasedRecipes #ComfortFood #VeganRecipes