Black Beans and Rice

Preparation Method

1. Fill the Multi-Function Cooker with 3 quarts(2.85 liters) cold water. Add black beans, 1 teaspoon (3 grams) salt and bay leaf. Cover. Set the Multi-Function Cooker to Rice Mode. Select Rice 2 and press Start. Cook until Rice Mode cycle is complete (50-55 minutes). Drain beans. Set aside. Keep bay leaf in with the beans. Wipe the Multi-Function Cooker dry.
2. Set the Multi-Function Cooker to Sauté/SearMode, MEDIUM. Press Start. Add sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Remove sausage. Let drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) drippings in pan. (If sausage haslittle or no drippings, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.) Add onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in broth, rice, bell pepper, jalapeño, oregano, cumin, red pepper, beans, sausage and remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
3. Cover and set the Multi-Function Cooker to RiceMode. Select Rice 1 and press Start. Cook until Rice Mode cycle is complete (45-50 minutes). Uncover and remove the vessel from the Multi-Function Cooker. Let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff rice and stir in vinegar. Remove bay leaf before serving. Top with jalapeño slices, green onion curls and oregano leaves, if desired.

Variations

CANNELLINI BEANS AND JASMINE RICE

Make as directed. Substitute cannellini beans for black beans. Substitute chicken and herb sausagefor smoked sausage. (If sausage has little or no drippings, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.) Substitute jasmine rice for long-grain rice. Increase chopped red bell pepper to 2 cups (280 grams). Omit jalapeño, cumin and vinegar. Add ½ teaspoon (1 gram) herbes de Provence to the broth mixture. When finished cooking, stir in ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

NAVY BEANS WITH BROWN RICE

Make as directed.Substitute navy beans for black beans. Substitute chicken and kale sausagefor smoked sausage. (If sausage has little or no drippings, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.) Increase chicken broth to 3 cups (720 grams). Substitute brown rice for long-grain rice. Omit jalapeño and vinegar. Substitute Italian seasoning for cumin. Add 1 tablespoon (2 grams) chopped fresh rosemaryand 1 teaspoon lemon zest (2 grams) to the broth mixture. Set the Multi-Function Cooker to Rice Mode. Select Rice 2 and press Start. Cook until Rice Mode cycle is complete. Stir in 2 cups (400 grams) chopped fresh tomatoes.

Pro Tip

Substitute red beans for black beans for a New Orleans-style twist on Black Beans and Rice.

Products Used in this Recipe

Multi-Function Cooker