Black Beans and Rice I

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

 * Black Beans:
 * 1 cup cooked Ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
 * 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
 * 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
 * 1/4 cup finely chopped Onion
 * 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
 * 1 16-ounce can black beans, undrained
 * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
 * Rice
 * 1 small red pepper, cut into strips
 * 1 small green pepper, cut into strips
 * 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
 * 2 cups cooked rice
 * cilantro leaves and hot yellow peppers for garnish (optional)

Directions

 * Black Beans:
 * 1) Cook Ham, carrot, celery, Onion, jalapeno and garlic in oil in large skillet over medium heat until vegetables are soft but not brown.
 * 2) Add Beans and ground pepper; stir until thoroughly heated.
 * Rice:
 * 1) Cook peppers in butter in large skillet over medium heat until peppers are soft but not brown.
 * 2) Add rice; stir until thoroughly heated.
 * 3) Serve black beans over rice.
 * 4) Garnish with cilantro leaves and hot yellow peppers, if desired.