Black beans and rice, from fast food / restaurant
Common food
A staple side dish of tender black beans simmered with savory spices, served over fluffy white rice. The beans offer a creamy, earthy texture that contrasts with the soft, neutral grains, creating a satisfying and hearty bite. Nutritionally, it's a solid source of plant-based protein and fiber, with a moderate calorie count for its volume.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its comforting, savory flavor and incredible versatility—it's a blank canvas for toppings like salsa, cheese, or avocado. It's also a deeply cultural comfort food, central to many Latin American and Caribbean meals.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The combination of high carbs and beans can cause blood-sugar spikes for some, and restaurant versions are often high in sodium. To counteract this, pair it with a source of protein (like a fried egg or shredded chicken) and healthy fat (avocado) to slow digestion, or choose a smaller portion and add extra vegetables.
Key benefits
- High in dietary fiber for digestive health
- Good source of plant-based protein
- Contains complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
- Naturally low in sugar
- Provides essential minerals like iron and magnesium
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The name 'Moros y Cristianos' (Moors and Christians) refers to the historical conflict between Muslim Moors and Christian Spaniards, with the black beans representing the Moors and the white rice the Christians.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 61.9 g |
| Energy | 182 kcal |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 7.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 23.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 4.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.19 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 19.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 42.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 92.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 205 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 296 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.79 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.14 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 3.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.19 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin | 0.83 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 99.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 21.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 78.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 114 ug |
| Choline, total | 18.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 8.5 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.74 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.20 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.9 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.35 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is black beans and rice a complete protein?
Yes, when combined, they form a complete protein. Rice is low in the amino acid lysine, which black beans are rich in, while beans are low in methionine, which rice provides.
Why is it so common in fast food?
It's inexpensive, filling, quick to prepare in large batches, and serves as a hearty, vegetarian base that pairs well with many other ingredients like meat, cheese, and salsa.
How can I make it healthier at home?
Use brown rice for more fiber, control the salt by seasoning with cumin, garlic, and oregano, and add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutrient density.