Black Beans and Rice

Overview
Beans and rice is very common dish found in many countries. Any kind of beans can be used for this. I have used black beans here since I like the creamy texture of it. Green bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic and onions mixed with rice and beans with the mild aroma of  cumin makes this dish a medley of flavor and texture.

Black Beans and Rice

Ingredients
Long grain Rice  or Basmati rice 1 1/2 cup
Black beans 3/4 cup
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup chopped
Red onion one large finely chopped
Green bell pepper 1 large diced
Garlic 4 cloves finely chopped
Cumin seeds 1 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes   1/2 to 1 teaspoon
Cilantro fr garnish
Salt to taste
Olive oil 4 tablespoons

Steps
1. Cook the rice in double the amount of water and salt to taste. When it boils keep the heat in low and cook covered for about 10 minutes.  Fluff up the cooked rice and keep aside

2. Soak the beans in water overnight and cook in a pressure cooker with twice the amount of water till one whistle or in a pan covered till the beans are cooked well. Drain the liquid and keep aside.

3. In a pan add One tablespoons of oil and saute the diced green peppers with a little salt. Keep aside

3. Heat oil in pan. When the oil gets hot add the cumin seeds followed by the finely chopped garlic and onions. Saute few minutes till the onions sweat. Add the red pepper flakes and saute again for few more minutes.

4. Add the chopped cherry tomatoes to this . Add salt cover and cook till the tomatoes are cooked well.

5. Add the rice, beans and green peppers to this and mix well.  Add salt as needed.

Serve hot garnished with fresh chopped cilantro