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1
In a large stockpot set over medium heat, heat the oil and saute the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes; add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, until it is light brown, about 5 minutes.
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2
Add the carrots, tomato sauce, and chicken stock.
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3
Bring to a boil, decrease the heat to medium-low, and add the frozen peas.
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4
Cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
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5
Remove the rice from the heat and let sit for another 10 minutes.
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6
Fluff and serve.
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7
Sort the beans to get rid of any foreign matter; rinse well in a colander; and set aside.
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8
In a large stockpot set over medium-high heat, cook the bacon about 10 minutes.
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9
Decrease the heat to medium; add the onion, celery, jalapenos, and garlic.
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10
Cook until the onion gets soft, about 3 minutes.
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11
Add the beans, chicken stock, and salt; bring to a boil.
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12
Decrease the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the stock has been mostly absorbed and the beans are tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
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13
Spoon the mixture, including the bacon and vegetables, into the jar of a blender (in batches, if necessary) or the work bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade and puree until smooth.
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14
Pour the vegetable oil into the unwashed stockpot set over medium-high heat.
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15
Add the pureed bean mixture to the stockpot and cook, stirring, until the beans are hot and bubbling, about 3 minutes.
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16
Serve warm.
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17
The rice can be made up to 1 day in advance, cooled, covered, and refrigerated.
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18
To reheat, stir in 1/2 cup water and cook in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is thoroughly heated.
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19
Im always busy and Im often behind.
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20
When I discover a shortcut, I take it.
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21
All of the books advise soaking black beans before cooking, but I have found that this recipe turns out just fine without a soak.
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22
While the beans take a little longer to cook, Im spared the extra steps of soaking, rinsing, and draining.
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23
I always take the time to sort and rinse the beans; processing does not always rid them of dirt or tiny stones.
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24
To make this dish even faster to prepare, substitute 3 (15-ounce) cans black beans for the dried beans and skip the long cooking time.
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25
Add the drained and rinsed beans to the sauteed bacon and vegetables, heat thoroughly and puree, then follow the directions as above.