Black Beans with Saffron Rice

Ingredients
GARNISH *  Black pepper
 * 2 cup Black beans
 * 4 cup Water
 * 1 x Onion, halved
 * 3 x Bay leaves
 * 6 x Garlic cloves, whole
 * 2 cup Rice
 * 1/3 tsp Saffron
 * 6 x Tomatoes, seeded and chopped
 * 2 cup Onions, chopped
 * 6 tbl Olive oil
 * 2 tbl Wine vinegar
 * 1 tsp Ground cumin
 * 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
 * 4 tbl Fresh basil, or parsley

Directions

 * Rinse and sort the beans.
 * Put into a large, heavy pot with lid.
 * Cover with the 4 cups water.
 * Bring to a boil, cover, and remove from heat.
 * Add the halved onions, bay leaves and garlic to beans.
 * Place over low heat and cook, covered, about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
 * Remove and discard the onion, bay leaves and garlic cloves.
 * Keep beans warm.
 * Prepare the garnish about 1 hour before serving.
 * Place the tomatoes and onion into a serving bowl.
 * Add the olive oil, vinegar, cumin, cayenne, parsley or basil and black pepper to taste.
 * Toss to blend.
 * Bring 4 cups water to boiling in a heavy saucepan with tight fitting lid.
 * Add the rice and saffron threads
 * Stir well, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the water.
 * To serve, place the rice, black beans, and the garnish into separate bowls..