Mexican Tomato Rice and Beans

  • 1 cup of white rice
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 5-6 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped finely
  • 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped finely

Bring the water to boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add the rice, cover with a lid and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for another 5 minutes.

While the rice steams, set a fine sieve in a large measuring cup and drain the tomatoes. Add enough water to the tomato juice to equal 1 cup. Chop the tomatoes very finely.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and jalapeno to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly. 

Add the black beans, cumin, chili powder, oregano, sea salt, and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Stir in the tomato juice mixture and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans absorb much of the liquid, 5-7 minutes. 

Add the tomatoes, cilantro, and cooked rice then cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is warm, 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately. Enjoy.