Saffron rice~ spicy black beans~ chunky salsa

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupDried black beans, soaked
Overnight and drained
4cupsWater
1smallOnion
1smallCarrot, chopped
½cupGreen peppers, chopped
1Chili, jalapeno or serrano
Seeded and coarsely chopped
2Garlic cloves, chopped
1Bay leaf
1teaspoonSoy Sauce, low-sodium
½teaspoonCumin, ground
¼teaspoonRed pepper flakes, crushed
cupVegetable stock
Saffron threads, pinch
cupOnions, chopped finely
1teaspoonOlive oil
1Garlic clove, minced
½teaspoonTurmeric
cupRice, long-grain, white
2cupsTomatoes, diced
½Avocado, large, diced
½cupRed onions
½cupCucumbers, diced
2tablespoonsCoriander, fresh, minced
1tablespoonLime juice
1teaspoonOlive oil
1teaspoonChili peppers, minced
Soy yogurt, optional
Coriander leaves, garnish

Directions

SPICY BLACK BEANS

SAFFRON RICE

CHUNKY TOMATO SALSA

GARNISHES

1. To make the beans: In a 3 quart saucepan, combine the beans, water, onion, carrot, green peppers, chili pepper, garlic, bay leaf, soy sauce, cumin and pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for about 2-½ hours, or until the beans are tender and almost all the liquid has been absorbed. Discard the bay leaf and set aside the bean mixture. (May be made up to 2 days ahead; reheat before serving). 2. To make the rice: In a 1 quart saucepan, bring ¼ of the stock to a boil. Add the saffron. Cover, remove from the heat and let stand for 5 min. 3. In a 2 quart saucepan over low heat, saute the onions in the oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Stir in the turmeric, then the rice.

Add the remaining 2 C stock and the saffron mixture. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. 4. Lightly coat 4 (8 ounce) custard cups with no-stick spray or olive oil. Spoon about ¾ C of the warm rice into each cup, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Add about ½ C of the beans to each cup. Top with more rice to cover the beans; lightly pack it around the edges. 5. If not serving the timbales immediately, cover each cup tightly with a piece of foil. Set the cups on a baking sheet and keep warm at 300 degrees (for up to 30 minutes). 6.

To make the salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, avocado, onions, cucumbers, coriander, lime juice, oil and peppers. If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate. 7. To serve: Makes 4 servings. Remove the foil from the timbale. Invert each cup onto a dinner plate. Top with the salsa and soy yogurt. Garnish with the coriander. Serves 4.