Black Bean Stew
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown rice
- 1 cup water
- 2 cup cooked black beans
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves crushed garlic, or more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup cheap red wine (optional)
- 1 vegetarian sausage link, crumbled (optional)
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup (4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Prepare the rice in the water according to package directions or your own procedure. While the rice is cooking, combine all the rest of the ingredients except the cheese in a saucepan and simmer, at least 15 minutes. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spoon the cooked rice into a casserole dish. Remove the bay leaf from the bean mixture; pour the beans over the rice and stir; it doesn't have to be thoroughly mixed. Top with the cheese and bake uncovered 20-35 minutes or until cheese is browned and bubbly. Let stand five minutes before serving.