Serves 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes

Beans are rich in vitamins, protein, fiber, you name it.  And they’re low in calories.  A perfect food, but really time consuming to prepare.  You can use dried bean, but be sure to soak them overnight or do a quick soak by bringing them to a boil and letting them sit for a few hours.  It’s a great side dish, particularly with Mexican or Spanish dishes. 

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onions
2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 ½ cups water
1 cup long-rain rice
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups of canned black beans

Heat the oil in a large saucepan.
Sauté the onions in the oil for 10 minutes.
Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and stir for another minute or so.
Stir in the water, rice and salt and bring to a boil.
Stir in the black beans.
Cover and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let stand for five to 10 minutes.