Note: This recipe is suitable for those following a vegetarian (meat-free) diet. However, it may include ingredients such as dairy or other animal-based products that may not fit in with vegan or some other vegetarian diets.

This is a scrumptious and easy recipe. If you have leftovers, consider serving the beans on a salad the next day.

Prep time: 30 to 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 15 oz. cans black beans, drained
• 1 c. onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. cilantro
• 14 oz. can diced tomatoes (low sodium)
• ½ c. frozen corn niblets, thawed
• 1 c. hot cooked rice
• ¼ c. jalapeño jack cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp. cumin
• ½ tsp. chili powder
• red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Sauté ¾ cup onions, garlic, and bay leaves in oil.
2. Add black beans, cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and corn.
3. Simmer until heated through and flavors meld.
4. Make a mold of cooked rice on a platter.
5. Pour bean mixture over the rice.
6. Garnish with ¼ cup chopped onions.
7. Sprinkle cheese over the beans.

Serves: 4

Serving size: ¼ cup rice and 1¼ cup beans

Nutritional analysis (per serving):
307 calories
15 g protein
3 g fat
2 g sat. fat
55 g carbohydrate
12 g fiber
8 mg cholesterol
765 mg sodium
157 mg calcium
3.4 mg iron

Note: Nutritional analysis may vary depending on ingredient brands used.

Variations and suggestions:
If you do not have canned tomatoes, try using salsa. Add sliced red peppers.

Reviewed by: Allison Brinkley, RD, LD/N