Sometimes I Need a Push to Try New Things Also

We all have likes and dislikes.

I will candidly admit that some of my own “dislikes” have not necessarily been backed up by “research”.  Case in point – rice and beans.  I have always viewed myself as someone who cannot stand such a combination.  Had I ever tried it?  No.  Had I ever prepared it myself?  No.  I recognized I was behaving less than my age and decided to do something about it.

I tried my sister-in-law’s recipe for Rice and Beans (she gives credit to the newest edition of “Joy of Cooking”).  Now I LOVE rice and beans.  Who knew???  Truly an epiphany.  Now such a basic (and healthful – and easy – and ecomonical) dish is part of my world.  Thank you generous sister-in-law! 

I will share her genius with you.

Heat in a large saucepan:

2 Tbsp olive oil

Add:

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 habanero pepper, seeded and chopped, or 1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes or powder to taste

Cook, stirring, until tender, 5-8 minutes, then stir in:

1 cup diced tomato

2 1/2 cups water

1 cup long grain rice

1 tsp salt

Bring to a boil, then stir in:

1 can black beans, rinsed

Cover and cook over medium-low heat until water has been absorbed into rice, about 20 minutes.  Remove from heat, allow to sit for 10 minutes, then enjoy!