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
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[@Xaero188]

This world needs more Saúl recipe instructions.

[@urdad9853]

YUP

[@DerSchrottBastler]

i would add: the world needs more Saúl´s. He is so nice and funy.

[@jakoblarok]

¡Exactamente!

[@lotusquel]

Si!

[@CarissaAN]

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

[@jhawar-ji]

Its 5642

[@MisterChompipe]

⁠@@Seriously... Janitor food seems much tastier than meth, the food of inbred trailer scum. Plus, janitors tend to have all their teeth, Seriously.

[@sweet-mouth]

According to sublime is 5246

[@CarissaAN]

@@jhawar-jiI fixed it. Thank you!😊

[@Victor-Soria]

@@Seriously...It’s what your ancestors ate on thanksgiving day

[@caitlin4970]

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

[@chriswhinery925]

Yes this. Epizote and dried avocado leaves may be more traditional in Mexico but these ingredients are not exactly widely available in most US grocery stores. Bay leaves and cilantro, we've got.

[@marilynturcotte5304]

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

[@lilliamuribe9438]

yes!! my fav!

[@vickyfrazier3981]

Love this chef’s recipes and his presentations!

[@dxcSOUL]

And he's not trying too hard to be funny. Like many other chefs on KZbin...

[@melammutumultus4654]

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

[@stephgreen3070]

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.

[@azmanhussain]

U think I can use the same ingredients for pinto, or do I need to change some stuff

[@stephgreen3070]

@@azmanhussain I’m afraid I don’t know. Better call Saúl. Lol

[@josereyna8885]

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!

[@isabellapaganella2220]

Same thing in Brazil!

[@carolinasv525]

This made me so happy to read! I also had to help clean out the beans when I was younger, and it’s true that epazote makes black beans taste even better than they already do! My mom does that 🤗 I wonder what chefs think about cooking beans on a pressure cooker, as that’s the only way I’ve done it so far 😅😅😬 saves so much time and has worked out great for me! (I have a smart lid ninja foodi).

[@mirandatarantella]

​@@isabellapaganella2220Yes 😊 Saudades!!!

[@mirandatarantella]

​@carolinasv525 Actually,that sounds like a great method for super creamy beans. I 'll have to try it :) Never thought of that!

[@honeybadger1847]

Same in Chile. We had little, speckled white and red beans. You had to close your eyes to feel gravel and stone chips.

[@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! 😆

[@BigSpoonyBard]

@@Snerts Check your local mexican grocery store. You should be able to get all your dried leaves and chiles there for maximum mexi-food.

[@danny2571]

@@SnertsMexican grocery/meat market

[@donnaleveron5711]

Or you can sprout the seed inside the avocado, 3 toothpicks in the bottom half, submerge bottom in a jar of water and it will sprout roots and leaves and can be planted into a larger pot. Depending on the climate where you live, you could transplant outside, and have a never ending supply of avocado leaves. 😊

[@amberbowman3381]

😅

[@candyqueenify]

bless your ignorant heart lol.

[@MrWoodard91]

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

[@professionaldistortion]

Agreed! He is a joy to watch and doesn't over complicate things like most chefs do.

[@KrAOLo]

At least your not hauling 40kg of tortillas every time you move to another country. Customs be like, wtf is this new drug smuggling technique. The I pull out the US diplomatic passport and be like, just sharing our mixing pot culture with the world and factory tortillas don't make the cut.

[@catalhuyuk7]

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.

[@starbrightinfinity3329]

That’s how I am with my beans. Some days I have epazote and other days it’s cilantro. Sometimes I have neither so I use bay leaves. And when I refry them, sometimes I add bacon, sometimes I don’t. But for sure they are heaven every time.

[@bonniedelnorte]

Healthy and delicious!

[@mak12578]

Do you always use black beans

[@dandles2010]

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

[@iluvpugz17]

Me too! Sounds much better than just seasoned, drained can of black beans in white rice 😅

[@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

[@FlavourFool]

Yeah, the beans are measured even though we only use some of them, and the stock is measured, even though we don't know how much rice 🤷‍♀️

[@insubordinateandchurlish]

@@FlavourFoolpisses me off since there are so many comments saying omg can’t wait to make this. Yeah go nuts, see if you can figure it out

[@chettajohnson5261]

@@FlavourFool he used all the beans though…

[@FlavourFool]

@@insubordinateandchurlish Haha

[@FlavourFool]

@@chettajohnson5261 Oh did he, I thought he just used some.

[@andrewmcdonnell6369]

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!

[@jboj999]

Its like they knew Ive been making Mexican rice wrong

[@noelcovarrubias7490]

same lol

[@Blessed1963]

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

[@laraellenh]

I made a vegetarian variation of this -subbing veggie stock for chicken stock - truly the best ever rice and beans of my life. Paired it with super fresh guac. I also didn't have enough pans, so I soaked the beans but finished them in a pressure cooker on h high pressure for 40 minutes. Delish

[@SSDLR]

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

[@sharoneicher7895]

I judge a Mexican restaurant by its rice and salsa. Now I can make 5star rice myself! Thanks Chef!

[@josephplanta4584]

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

[@Emilyk1317]

Me too

[@bellebeauty67]

CHEF NEEDS HIS OWN SHOW!!!

[@joannewistaria5777]

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.

[@mb2444]

Saul touched on every single point that my Mexican grandmothers and mom would have touched to make rice and beans amazing. With the exception perhaps to stab the serrano chile before adding it to release more flavor. I love that Saul has his own segment without the distraction of other people in the video. This is black and red gold (black and red rice).

[@redcurlvegan]

I LOVE cooking videos and cooking is one of my biggest passions so I consume a lot of food content, but this is the first time I think I've smiled the whole way through a video - Saúl was so enjoyable to watch and motivational too!

[@magiemay74]

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

[@jeremywolf1560]

This is hands down the best way to make rice and beans I've ever seen. Absolutely amazing, chef. I wrote down every itty bitty detail and I'm going to make this for my novia and madre for Valentine's Day. Muchas gracias, cocinero.

[@angrypotato_fz]

Chef Saúl is a great teacher - with great sense of humour and useful tips for fixing the dish :) I'd like to try this!

[@berenice635]

I can listen to Saul all day. So fun to learn how to cook with him.

[@connorbishop3289]

6:10 that happy face is priceless😂

[@saraschleicher7044]

Omg these beans are fantastic! I made them today following your instructions and this is my new favorite recipe for making beans.

[@esp_ninja6337]

🎉🇲🇽

[@olive5890]

Can we have more recipes by Saul? Por favor! ❤

[@tom_something]

Canned whole tomatoes are a great choice because it's easier to remove most of the seeds before blending. Avoid canned _diced_ tomatoes at all costs. Canned diced tomatoes are usually treated with calcium chloride, which can give it a mealy texture even after blending and cooking. Canned whole beans tend to include calcium chloride as well and similarly do not break down when refrying. Between that and the acid they have to add to the can to preserve it (which makes it slightly sour), there really is no substitute for chef Montiel's approach.

[@cinm9565]

Thanks for the info

[@deninevh]

I enjoyed this, thank you for the lesson! I also watch a Greek chef, Akis, and they remind me of each other when they talk about their creations.

[@MathasarSalazar2]

Oh look there's saul again, better watch. Never disappoints.

[@agooglyminotaur169]

Fantastic. Great teacher and the food looks great - love the suggestions on authentic aromatics to increase the flavor. Will definitely be trying this recipe!

[@robertm348]

Chef Saul, I love your presentations! Highly informative and entertaining. Thank you.

[@tikwon7042]

I can listen to u all day... Gracias!

[@MCJJtracks]

More of this please. Havent seen this channel in a while but this guy is legit

[@benmcbride101]

I would eat a ton of that without anything else, it looks awesome! Am definitely going to make it.

[@ellierk2880]

Your recipe is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@Catalina9679]

I Love the way you teach simple and authentic. I will try your recipes! Gracias!

[@katiebellamartinezchannel9587]

I loved Your recipes please keep making more !🙏💕💕😊

[@gibberishname]

I LOVE Chef Saul. his videos are like a HUG every dang time.

[@brookec.b.3611]

Love this. The chef's dry humor and presentation is perfect 😂

[@karenderuyter2568]

What a wonderful cooking lesson! This looks delicious…and I love this man’s food passion!

[@violetavenue8990]

You sir are the real deal. Genius. Keep the videos coming.

[@c0riinthehouse]

I love Saul’s videos! Please give us more!

[@muslimakhon23]

Saul is such a heart warming person❤️

[@kcvinwehoLA]

Chef Saul is fantastic! Please feature him again!!

[@intentionalgreatness]

Glad i found this. Thank you! The humor is a nice touch lol

[@michaelbrutallyhonest6026]

This was great, hopefully this chef makes many more videos. I was taught and entertained.

[@mnm25479]

Exactly what I was looking for. Clear instructions. Thank you!

[@isaac1palafox]

2 cups of rice ?

[@MottiShneor]

THANK YOU!!!! Will be doing it tomorrow. I need to soak my black beans now. Wonderful.

[@tammythompson1927]

Love it!!! Look forward to seeing more Mexican dishes Saul.

[@missyblack1058]

Oh my goodness. I must make this NOW. Preparing my grocery list as I watch . . . Thank you for this inspiration!

[@brianbushue]

thank you so much, such a great video! no matter how much you know about a cuisine, there is always more to learn

[@pete5534]

Terrific. Thank you! I love Mexican cookery.

[@seagreenblue4052]

I've been wanting this Mexican rice and beans for the longest time. Thank you. 💖💐

[@bluesarracenia]

Omg this recipe and tutorial is amazing. I can’t wait to make thissssss!!!! The flavors and precision! 🔥

[@jak762]

Wow! Thank you for sharing the amazing recipe!

[@eggiesammich]

100% will try this! Thanks chef Saul!

[@rjmari]

The deadpan humor is very understated. Thanks for the recipes!

[@rebpos6519]

Absolutely fantastic video. Best how to cooking vid I've seen in s very long time.

[@mayallen2795]

Love it! More recipes like this please!

[@valorousbeatz852]

It's the smile on his face when he takes the lid off to check the rice for me 🤣🤣 same, my dude, same

[@danielconley5256]

Love this video and now I finally know how to make authentic Mexican black beans! Yes!! And rice too!!!

[@KevShaw808]

This guy is great! I am totally going to make this and he was super fun to watch!

[@user-sf8tv9iw1g]

This chef is a gem! Talent and humour. Loved it😊

[@amycastor2872]

This looks amazing. I can't wait to try it!

[@dinamariea61]

Thanks! I love beans and rice. Thank you for this video.

[@madebyirly1812]

I love me episodes with Chef Saul. The best hand down.

[@pastorswife1998]

Chef Saul is my favorite!

[@brunosimon25]

Fabulous video. Great job Saul. I'll try it for sure.

[@Marcusp1620]

Awesome, so glad you posted this video. Going to try this recipe this week. Trying to eat beans daily for fiber. Muchas gracias!

[@kth6736]

In India we call it "Beans&Rice" instead of "Rice&Beans". And we put the tomato puree in the beans rather than rice. Sometimes I wrap them in a Chapati to pretend im eating a Burritto. But my Mom tells me to stop acting weird.

[@donnaleveron5711]

Seems all ethnicities have their version, love it!

[@jayreddy6038]

haha bro rajma chawal is a little bit different no? diff beans, more ghee, etc.?

[@bandanadas9696]

In south eats tomato bhat.. nothing special

[@kth6736]

@@bandanadas9696 Rajma Chawal.

[@michaeldean9338]

Looks tasty, Chef. Will give this recipe a try. Thank you, and Happy New Year

[@saraholdshield9901]

This is the best video …. EVER!!!! I love him!!!

[@jkuhl2492]

Never made my own beans before, always used canned, this was a very new experience for me.

[@shaylasmith3935]

Thank you! This is amazing and helpful 🎉!

[@campingwithchrissy]

WOW- that looks amazing- Saul is too funny! Thanks for the great video!

[@Anne--Marie]

This presentation was perfect. The sugar skull on your shirt was a bonus. 😊

[@user-fb9jm9ho3s]

Excellent teacher! Thank you

[@dinodinosaur2930]

😋 Mmm Mmm Mmm ... Sir, you make it look so easy ... More Saul please 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@lindapb6529]

Looks SO delicious! Thanks for the instructions🔥😊

[@johnnyramirez323]

When you cook you remind me of the foods I grew up eating when I was younger.

[@mrich9654]

I just made this. It all turned out perfectly.

[@rickyseddon4786]

This was incredible thank you for sharing

[@RedHeadAgent]

This chef is a wonderful teacher

[@martinlaursen7972]

Perfection, Thanks for sharing

[@_stephanie]

this looks amazing Chef Saúl!

[@junietwoknees]

I just used dried beans for the first time and made a very similar recipe that turned out excellent, filling and flavorful

[@letylove4755]

GRACIAS Saúl bendiciones 🙏

[@parathink]

Wow love this. Thank you!

[@TheOctapodi]

I love this guy. Reminds me of my uncle.

[@marysheffield190]

In a society of shortcuts, I appreciate you drawing out the flavors of the Black Beans. I guess I’m gonna have to make this ❤

[@keithkamps77]

I'm gonna definitely try this, thanks!!!!!!!!!

[@michael_quirk_gaming]

looks amazing! Thank you chef

[@rosesiddiqi2308]

Thank you for the awesome tutorial, This guy is a Chef and a Comedian! 😂

[@brkitdwn]

This is the passion all restaurants making preparing food need to have

[@fifibg]

i love saúl - thank you for sharing :)

[@daprovocateur]

Chef Saul is the best!!