Black Beans & Rice Recipe

Black Beans & Rice

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tsp chopped garlic
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1 bay leaf
1 TBSP olive oil
1 cup rice
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 oz) black beans or 1 1/2 cups cooked dry-packaged black beans (rinsed & drained)
2 cups water
1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
1/2 to 1 tsp salt (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper

Saute onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, thyme, crushed red pepper, and bay leaf in olive oil until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice, tomatoes, black beans, water, vinegar, salt and pepper. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.