Beans and Ginger Rice

Beans and rice.....Together they are economical, easy, plentiful and delicious.  Did I mention versatile? Sprinkle a little cheese on top and kids eat it up.  Foresee a busy week; cook up a batch to pack for weekday lunches.

Before the recipe, let's talk about the beans.  This recipe calls for black beans. I typically buy organic, dried black beans in a 16 ounce / 1 pound bag.  If you have never worked with dried beans, they are really simple.  After dinner, pour the entire bag into a glass bowl, cover with cold water (about an inch or so above the beans) and let soak.  The next morning, rinse and drain the beans. Place the beans along with 6 cups of cold water in a pot on the stove and bring to a nice simmer.  Let the beans simmer for about 45 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed.  When fully cooked, the beans will be soft but not mushy.  When the beans have this consistency, drain and let cool.  At this time, I divide 1 cup portions into freezer bags and place extra in the freezer for future use.  

For this recipe you will need:

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 1/2 cups of black beans, fresh, frozen or canned (If using canned, drain and rinse.)

1 cup brown rice

1/4 inch fresh ginger root - peeled and grated

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon coriander
3 cups water (to start)

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.  

Add 2 cloves garlic and let saute until fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.  Then add the ginger. After a minute or two, add the rice; stirring to coat. Pour in 2 cups of water. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked.  During cooking, add water as needed.  

In a separate pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.  Add 2 cloves of garlic; after another 3-4 minutes add the cumin and coriander and beans (in that order.)  Add one cup of water, simmer for 10 minutes.  

When rice is fully cooked, fluff with a fork.  Place one serving of rice in a bowl, spooning bean mixture on top.  Add garnishments of your choice, such as avocado, cilantro, cheese and/or Greek yogurt.