Black Beans and Rice I

Description
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: Cook ham, carrot, celery, onion, jalapeno and garlic in oil in large skillet over medium heat until vegetables are soft but not brown. Add beans and ground pepper; stir until thoroughly heated.

Rice: Cook peppers in butter in large skillet over medium heat until peppers are soft but not brown. Add rice; stir until thoroughly heated. Serve black beans over rice. Garnish with cilantro leaves and hot yellow peppers, if desired.