The Best Mexican Rice and Beans You’ll Ever Make | Epicurious 101

In this edition of Epicurious 101, professional chef Saúl Montiel demonstrates how to make rich, creamy, and flavorful rice and beans–a classic Mexican side dish.

Director: Debbie Wong
Director of Photography: Eric Brouse
Editor: JC Scruggs; Micah Phillips
Talent: Saul Montiel
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Janke
Culinary Producer: Jessica Do
Culinary Associate Producer: Leslie Raney
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Amanda Broll
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Assistant Camera: Erron Francis
Audio Engineer: Mariya Chulichkova
Production Assistant: Noah Belsky
Staff Editorial Consultant: Ryan Harrington
Researcher: Vivian Jao
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araujo
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell



ABOUT EPICURIOUS
Browse thousands of recipes and videos from Bon Appétit, Gourmet, and more. Find inventive cooking ideas, ingredients, and restaurant menus from the world’s largest food archive.

[CarissaAN]

“For this recipe you need 5, 642 pieces of black beans. No less, no more.” 😂😂😂

[Xaero]

This world needs more Saúl recipe instructions.

[caitlin]

I appreciate Chef Saúl for mentioning alternative ingredients and quick fixes (like for the tomato broth) 😊

[marilynturcotte]

Love this Chef's attitude, so homey and honest.

[josereyna]

I remember us kids being given the job of “limpiando los frijoles” at the table too. We had to take out the little stones and the broken beans. We would usually do this with 20 pounds of beans to last for the week. We mostly used pinto beans and would add bacon along with cumin, onion, garlic, and cilantro. We would make arroz in a slightly different way and at times we would have fideo. That is still comfort food for me. Gracias, Chef Raul, for keeping these traditions alive and current!

[melammutumultus]

Two things I appreciate about this video: 1. It's easy to veganize 2. He loves his mom ❤

[philwhitern]

I don't usually mind when there's no recipe, but the whole point is cooking 101, cmon.
Anyways, my quick notes:

2 cups black beans
soak overnight
8 cups water to a boil
add beans
add: 1.5 onions
4 cloves garlic
two avocado leaves
2 bay leaves
4 epazote leaves
boil 60-90 minutes till tender
remove aromatics

saute half onion diced in veg oil
add salt
add beans, keep salting
simmer 15-20 minutes

can whole tomatoes to blender
quarter tsp cumin
two cloves garlic
lil salt
14 oz chicken stock
puree

wash long grain rice (how much? who knows, let's say 2 cups)
hot pan add oil
add rice, stir till brown
add tomato mixture, bring to simmer
add corn, green peas, carrots, and a serrano on top, don't mix
cover, leave it alone
simmer 12-13 minutes
check if it's cooked, if so turn off heat and let sit for a while to finish

done

[tristennew]

I cooked this recipe, I was so excited to impress my girlfriend and I was intently watching as she tried the beans, she faked a smile.. I implored her to tell me what was wrong and all she could muster was “something’s off”. I was emotionally distraught, an absolute mess. I rewatched this video a dozen times, I searched the kitchen incessantly and lo and behold, a bean had fallen into the grates of the stove as I transferred them to the pot. 5, 641 beans, the entire dish was ruined :(

[johrathbun]

I had to move to Mexico to learn that avocado leaf trick in the beans, and Saul's out here giving it away for free. The humanity of it all! 😆

[joannewistaria]

I've watched this 6xs to get the ingredients list. Epicurus, please post everything on this page. I ended up making 2 trips to the store. More Mexican dishes with this delightful host! Much appreciated.

[catalhuyuk]

I eat beans and rice on a corn tortilla everyday for breakfast. I never get tired of it because every batch is different. I will definitely try this method.

[stephgreen]

Watching Saúl is like getting an abuelita’s entire cooking knowledge for free. The on point explanations on even simple things-what you do and *why* you do it that way- are just so helpful and interesting.

[Blessed]

Chef Saul Montiel you have the perfect personality for making videos. That touch of humor is nice. It is so enjoyable watching you cook.

[dandles]

I'm SO glad to see his version of rice and beans. I'm going to make this version.

[josephplanta]

This guy is great. I hope they put up more videos with this chef.

[MrWoodard]

I freaking love Saul. Would absolutely watch a whole half hour traditional cooking show with just Saul every week!

[andrewmcdonnell]

I have been living in Mexico for 9 years and it never ceases to amaze me how Mexicans can produce amazing, quality food with very basic ingredients!

[jboj]

Its like they knew Ive been making Mexican rice wrong

[SSDLR]

More recipes by Saul please. I could watch him all day.

[maggiemay]

I would watch Chef Saul exclusively. I love his videos on here! I'm already trying his recipes this week. MORE CHEF Saul!