Black Beans and Rice

OK, I know you're thinking ol' RouxBdoo is on a rice kick. Well I admit it I love rice, especially with tasty stuff in it. This is a VERY SIMPLE one pot dinner you can make as a side for your entrée like fish (great with GRILLED FISH) or chicken. You can also substitute a can of chili with beans and make it more of a TexMex dish. I really like it that way to serve with tacos. Si here we go!

Ingredients
1 16 oz can Black Beans/Frijoles Negros (or a can of Chili with beans)
2 cups water
1 tbs vegetable oil
1/2 cup Pico de Gallo or Ro-tel
3 cloves minced garlic
1 cup rice (uncooked)
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp Tony Chacere's (or Cajun spices)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
3 green onions (diced)

Combine can of beans, water, oil, Pico de Gallo, garlic, and all spices in an ovenproof pot on MED/HI. Bring to a boil, stir in rice and make sure there are no lumps. Cook uncovered for 5 mins. Stir well to make sure rice isn't sticking to the bottom or lumping up. Add green onions, stir well and cover. Cook 5 mins and check rice. If it has nearly soaked up all the liquid, cover and place in 350º oven for 30 mins.

Remove from oven and take off lid, give a stir and make sure rice is tender. Fluff the rice and re-cover for 10 mins. Garnish with any remaining green onions. You might even want to top with some grated cheese or minced cilantro. I sometimes like a dollop of sour cream or thick yogurt alongside.