Beans and Rice

Ingredients

 * one or two cups (up to a pound) dried beans or peas
 * one cup uncooked rice, rinsed and drained
 * salt
 * black pepper, cayenne pepper or red pepper (to taste)

Directions

 * 1) Clean, rinse, and soak the beans or peas in cold water for three or four hours or overnight. Drain.
 * 2) In a large cooking pot, combine the beans with enough cold water to cover them by two inches. Bring to a boil.
 * 3) Reduce heat.
 * 4) Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (approximately one hour).
 * 5) Stir in rice.
 * 6) Season to taste.
 * 7) Cover and cook until rice is done and all liquid has been absorbed (about twenty minutes).
 * 8) Remove from heat and let stand uncovered for five minutes before serving.
 * 9) Fluff with a fork, serve hot, as a side dish, or with any dish that is accompanied by white rice.