CLASSIC AND SIMPLE: BLACK BEANS AND RICE WITH KIELBASA

CLASSIC AND SIMPLE: BLACK BEANS AND RICE

PREP TIME: 10 MINS

COOK TIME: 1 HOUR

adapted from melskitchencafe.com

INGREDIENTS:

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 kielbasa sausage
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
5-6 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 (16-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4-5 cups hot, cooked white or brown rice 

DIRECTIONS:

In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and cook until it is brown and almost cooked. Add the bell pepper, onion and garlic and saute, stirring often, for about 15 minutes, until all the vegetables are soft and tender. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, oregano and water; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of hot water to thin to desired consistency. 

Stir in the fresh cilantro and season with salt and pepper; discard the bay leaf. Serve over the hot rice. 

For an electric pressure cooker, use the Saute function to heat the oil. Cook the kielbasa, bell pepper, onion, and garlic, stirring often, for several minutes, until tender. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, oregano, and water. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release the pressure. If you want the mixture thicker, continue cooking using the Saute function until the mixture is thick (stir often to prevent sticking). Stir in the cilantro and season to taste with salt and pepper, if needed.