Caribbean Rice and Beans

By Lv2Cook

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup water
• 2/3 cup uncooked instant rice
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 cup coarsely chopped tomato
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans drained
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim Mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan, and stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed; set aside.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add chopped tomato, salt, crushed red pepper, and cumin, and sauté 2 minutes. Stir in cooked rice, cilantro, and black beans, and cook for 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Divide the bean mixture evenly among 4 plates, and sprinkle with cheese.

Serving Size: 1 cup bean mixture and 2 tablespoons cheese