Quick Black Beans and Rice

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups of white rice
• 1 cup of dried black beans
• 1 large carrot, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about ½ cup)
• 1 cup of diced ham or bacon (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water as needed for cooking rice and beans

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 45-50 minutes
• Total: about 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Soak the black beans in water for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the beans and add them to a pot with enough water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes or until softened.
3. Meanwhile, prepare the rice by washing it and adding it to a separate pot with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let cook until tender.
4. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté for a minute.
5. Add the diced carrot and bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes or until slightly softened.
6. Add the cooked black beans to the vegetables and mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
7. If using ham or bacon, add it to the bean mixture and heat through.
8. When the rice is almost ready, combine it with the black bean mixture and stir well. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve hot in individual plates or bowls.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 4 people) Calories: approximately 350-400 depending on added ingredients (ham/bacon) Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 55-65g Protein: 15-20g Fiber: 8-10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Quick and easy to make with readily available ingredients.
• Black beans provide a rich, hearty flavor and are a good source of protein and fiber.
• Rice provides a foundation for the dish, making it a balanced meal.
• Can be customized with additional ingredients like corn, peas, or other vegetables and proteins.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The black beans were cooked perfectly and the rice was just as expected."
2. "I added some chopped bacon to make it more savory and it was really good."
3. "The dish was simple to make and my family loved it."
4. "A great combination of flavors! The black beans were paired well with the rice."
5. "I would definitely make this again."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Soaking the black beans ahead of time is recommended for easier cooking and better digestibility.
• Adjust seasoning according to preference.
• If using ham or bacon, make sure it is cooked before adding to the dish to ensure proper heat distribution throughout the dish.