Spanish Beans

In our house, this is a main course. We might have a green salad with it, but often it's a standalone. It's got vegetables in it, after all.
Others might prefer it as a side.

1 c chopped onion

1 c chopped green pepper

2 tsp chopped garlic

1-and-½ tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried thyme leaves

½ tsp crushed red pepper (I used cayenne)

1 bay leaf

1 tb olive oil

1 c brown rice

3 c diced tomatoes

3 c cooked black beans (or one large can)

2 c water

1 tb apple cider vinegar

½ tsp black pepper

Sauté first seven ingredients in oil about 5 min. 

Add remaining ingredients, bring to boil, then simmer, covered, till rice is tender (about 45 min).

Ready to simmer for 45 minutes and cook the rice.

For extra flavour I sauté the uncooked rice as well as the onion, pepper and garlic. I also mix wild rice in with the brown rice.