Easy Black Beans and Rice

Cook the aromatics:
1 Melt the plant-based butter into a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat. Once bubbly, add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until it just softens.
2 Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Bloom the spices:
4 Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne and cook, stirring into the aromatics, for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toast the rice:
6 Add the white rice and cook for 1 minute. Add the black beans and toss to coat.
Simmer the rice:
8 Pour in the water or vegetable stock and bring to a boil—season with salt. Reduce heat to low and stir the black beans and rice. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice stand for 5 minutes.
Finish the black beans and rice:
10 Remove the cover from the pot and add the minced scallions. Cover once more and let stand for 5 minutes to steam the scallions.
To serve:
12 Serve the black beans and rice with burritos or alongside your favorite grilled or roasted protein. Enjoy!