Havana Black Beans with Cilantro Lime Rice

One of my favorite cookbooks I have ever purchased is The Whole Foods Market Cookbook published in 2002. This book is also a great reference tool for every type of food. There is a great selection of vegetarian fare and traditional favorites with an organic or whole grain twist.

The recipes below were added to my repertoire about 2 years ago. This can be a complete meal or it can be served as a side to roast pork, or marinated flank steak.

Mr. Foodie absolutely loves this meal. I am serving tonight with his Jamaican Jerk Pork he is cooking on the grill.


Havana Black Beans - What differentiates this recipe is the addition of coconut milk.





1 Tbsp EVOO
1 Onion, Chopped
2 Bell Peppers Chopped
3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
2 Bay Leaves
1 Teaspoon canned chipotle chillies. minced with sauce (I substituted two dried chipotle chilies soaked in water to rehydrate)
3 15 oz cans of black beans, rinsed and drained well
1/2 cup water
1 can of coconut milk
1 Teaspoon Lime Juice





Directions:
1. Heat EVOO in a medium saucepan. Add onion and saute' for 3 minutes until golden brown.

2. Add peppers and garlic and saute for 2 minutes (I saute' for about 5 minutes)

3. Add Cumin, Thyme, Bay Leaves and chilis. Stir well.

4. Add beans, water, and coconut milk and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

5. Stir in lime juice and salt to taste.



Cilantro Lime Rice

2 cups water
1 cup Basmati rice
3 Tablespoons EVOO
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Teaspoon lemon or lime zest
1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
Salt to taste
2 cups finely chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups washed finely chopped baby spinach
3-5 scallions finely chopped



Directions:
1. In a large saucepan, bring water to boil.

2. Add rice, EVOO, Garlic, Zest, Lime Juice, and salt and reduce to medium heat.

3. Stir Gently, cover, and simmer slowly for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

4. Leave the rice covered so the steam stays in, making the rice fluffy.

5. Transfer the rice to a large mixing bowl. Add cilantro, spinach, scallions and salt to taste and combine thoroughly.