Sherried Black Beans With Saffron Rice Food

TEX-MEX BLACK BEANS & SAFFRON RICE

Steps:

• Prepare the saffron rice according to the package directions,using the amount of oil/butter and water as indicated on the package (I usually use olive oil).
• While the rice is cooking, rinse& drain the black beans in a mesh strainer to remove all the sludgey canning liquid and dump them into a small saucepan.
• Pour the entire contents of the diced tomatoes w/chili peppers,liquid and all,into the same pan with the beans and stir to combine.
• Cover the saucepan with lid,turn on the heat to low, and let bean mixture heat while the rice cooks, stirring occasionally- it should be ready when the rice is done.
• When the rice is fully cooked, pour it into a deep, medium sized casserole dish.
• Pour bean mixture into the center of the rice, leaving a border of the yellow rice peeking out arounds the sides.
• Place the sour cream in the center of the bean mixture in a dollop as a garnish (you can use more if you like).
• Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the sour cream and over the beans.
• Sprinkle with cilantro leaves (optional) if you like and serve immediately.
• NOTE: If you don't have access to canned diced tomatoes with chilis, then you can substitute an equal amount of chunky salsa, if you like.
• You may wish to provide a bowl of additional sour cream as well as a bowl of more cheese for guests to add extra to each serving, but it isn't necessary.

SHERRIED BLACK BEAN SOUP

Steps:

• In a large, heavy saucepan, bring the beans and 4 cups of water to a boil. Boil briskly for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 1 hour.
• In a 5-quart Dutch oven, melt the butter. Add the onions, celery, carrot, and garlic, and cook until soft but not browned. Add the ham hock, the remaining 4 cups water, parsley, salt, cayenne pepper, cloves, mustard seed, bay leaf, and beans (with their liquid). Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 3 hours.
• Remove the ham hocks and let cool slightly. Remove and discard bay leaf. Place about half of the beans with about 1 cup of the liquid from the soup in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Return the puree to the soup in the Dutch oven.
• Remove the ham from its bone and add the meat to the soup. (Discard fat, bones and skin.) Reheat the soup over medium heat. Stir in the sherry. Serve hot soup with choice of garnishes to sprinkle on top.

SAVORY BLACK BEANS & RICE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large skillet.
• Add green pepper and garlic.
• Cook until pepper is tender.
• Stir in remaining ingredients except cilantro and rice.
• Heat to a boil; reduce heat.
• Cover and simmer 5 minutes, until pepper is tender.
• Stir in cilantro.
• Serve over rice.

REFRIED BLACK BEANS

Steps:

• Place black beans into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Drain.
• Place beans in a pot and add enough water to cover; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer beans until very tender, about 1 hour.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium; cook and stir onion and garlic until onion is soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add black beans, green chiles, chili powder, and cumin; cook and stir until flavors blend, about 5 minutes.
• Blend black bean mixture in a food processor until smooth. Add tomato paste, chicken broth, vinegar, and salt; blend until desired consistency is reached. Return beans to pot and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes more.