Cilantro Rice with Corn, Black Beans, and Avocados

Over the years, I have taught myself how to like cilantro. I remember the first time I had it; it tasted like soap to me. Slowly, I started introducing it into my meals at restaurants. My favorite is the cilantro rice at Chipotle. I thought corn would compliment the cilantro rice well and add in some black beans and avocado to make it a complete meal (and a complete protein). Squeeze some lime on top to brighten it up. This is my way to feature fresh summer corn.

Ingredients:
1 cup long grain rice
1 1/2 cups of chicken broth (or veggie or water)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 ears of corn
3-4 stalks green onions, chopped
1 can of black beans, rinsed
1/2 bunch of cilantro, stemmed and chopped fine
Adobo seasoning (optional), salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, chopped medium
1-2 limes cut into wedges

Directions:
Cook rice according to package instructions in broth. Fluff and put aside uncovered.

In a large sauce pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cut the corn off the cobs, as much as you can. Add it to the sauce pan and stir occasionally. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the chopped green onions, stir, and cook for 2 minutes. Add in the beans, stir, cook for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat. Add in the cooked rice and toss completely. Add in the chopped cilantro, adobo seasoning, salt, pepper and thoroughly mix. Taste and adjust seasonings accordingly. Carefully fold in the avocado. Serve with lime wedges and give a squeeze to wake it up. Makes about 4-servings.

-Erin Swing
The Sensitive Epicure

This is part of Food Network's Summer Fest. Check out The FN Dish. The summer produce we're focusing on here is corn. On twitter, we're tagging #SummerFest. Here are other delicious corn recipes to try out:

Jeanette's Healthy Living: Mexican Corn Salad "Esquites"
Virtually Homemade: Grilled Corn with Ancho Chili Butter and Fresh Lime
Domesticate Me: Campfire Chicken Packets with Zucchini, Corn and Cherry Tomatoes
Dishin & Dishes: Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn) Three Ways
Feed Me Phoebe: Corn on the Cob with Sriracha Lime Butter
Taste With The Eyes: Hello Summer Salad
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Fresh Corn, Roasted Tomato and Pickled Garlic Pizza with Cornmeal Crust
Red or Green?: Corn & Green Chile Corn Muffins
Made by Michelle: Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salsa
Blue Apron Blog: Summer Succotash with Cod and Pickled Grapes
Devour: Four Grilled Corn Favorites
The Heritage Cook: Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad
The Sensitive Epicure: Cilantro Rice with Corn, Black Beans and Avocados
Pinch My Salt: Grilled Corn Guacamole
Daily*Dishin: Manchego Lime Roasted Corn
Weelicious: Corn Salsa
FN Dish: Off the Cob Salads