$20 or less: Black Beans & Rice

2 cans low sodium - black beans  $1.20  each

(No endorsement here but I liked the Goya & Bush's brand) or 

1  16oz package dry black beans  $2.00

1  tablespoon oil  $5.oo (light flavor virgin olive oil)

1  onion chopped $0.50

1  tomato chopped $0.50

2  strips bell peppers (chopped)  $0.50

1  teaspoon dry thyme or 1 sprig of thyme $2.00

1  bundle green onion $0.50 each

2  cloves of garlic $0.50 per bulb

2  cups uncooked rice  $5.00

Avocado or ripe plantain (optional) $2.00

a couple slices of jalapeno or habanero peppers (if desired) $.50

salt & black pepper to taste

TOTAL: $19.00 APX

Saute everything except rice & beans.

Empty can of beans into saute pan & combine.

(I like to empty the cans into a colander & rinse off some of the salt...if you do this you'll

need to add 1/4-3/4 cup of water to the pan.) - cook 10-15 minutes.

In a separate pan cook rice as directed on package

Plate beans and rice & garnish with sliced avocado or plantain.

Serves 6                

***If using dry beans follow package instructions & combine everything except rice, tomato, garlic & onions.  Cook until tender.  Saute everything else, except rice.  Pour saute over beans and combine.***

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!
T.