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 jalapeño 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, jalapeño 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.