Recipe: RICE AND BEANS

QUICK AND EASY RICE AND BEANS
4 t olive oil
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 T onion (diced)
½ green bell pepper (diced)
1 cup rice (uncooked)
1 ½ cup water
3 T tomato paste
1 can black or red beans (14 ½ ozs)
dash of salt and pepper or dash of cayenne pepper (if you want more kick)

1. Heat oil in frying pan and sauté garlic, onions, and bell pepper until just softened.
2. Wash and rinse rice in rice cooker.
3. Add water, beans, tomato, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings to rice cooker.
3. Turn rice cooker on, and prepare other components of the meal.
4. When the rice cooker turns off, let rest for 5-10 minutes.
5. Mix and serve with tortillas, salad or fresh steamed vegetables (like carrots).
6. Add additional seasoning as needed or serve with guacamole and salsa.