Bleepin’ Awesome Black Beans ‘n Rice

Ingredients:

• Large can of Black Beans (I suggest Bushes–they are usually vegetarian, but I always check just in case.)
• 1 Tomato thickly diced
• 1 White/Yellow Onion chopped
• 1 Green Pepper chopped (Green, but part of a Poblano will add some spice.)
• Corn off the cobb (if you like)
• Mexican Spice combo (or Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt and Pepper)
• Fresh Cilantro

Method:

• Saute the onions for a few minutes to soften onions
• Put beans in pot, with their juice
• Add tomato, corn, onions, peppers
• Add Mexican Spice–I use taco or chili seasoning.  One packet of Taco or Chili seasoning is perfect–and super easy.  If I don’t have this I used a mixture of chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
• Add Cilantro (finely chopped) after all other ingredients have been added.
• I cook the mixture on low to medium heat for about 10 to 20 minutes.  If the heat is too high, the beans stick.
• It only take a few minutes, because the mixtures only need to heat through; the longer you cook, the more the flavors combine.

• I usually make rice to go with it. Most often I use Steam Fresh Frozen Rice because it can be heated quickly in the microwave.
• I top everything with fresh, smashed avocado, a little sour cream, and Mexican mix cheese.
• Plantains are nice with it too, if you like plantains.
• We like to bake some cut up tortillas in the oven (like chips) on 400 degrees for about 5-7 minutes for dipping.
• If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, or don’t want to buy them, Rotel Tomatoes and Chilies are great in the place of fresh tomatoes.