Black beans and rice

Prep time: 3 minutes Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes (depending on your rice cooker) Rest time: 10 minutes

The five or less things: One cup / 2.5 dl of white rice. Long grain or jasmine. The rice does not care. It is not picky. One cup / 2.5 dl of chicken broth or water. Broth adds more flavor. Use broth. Water is for people who hate flavor. One can of black beans. 15 ounces / 425 grams. Drained and rinsed. Rinsing removes the thick can liquid. The can liquid is weird. Get rid of it. It is not your friend. Half a cup / 1.25 dl of jarred salsa. Mild, medium, or hot. Your mouth decides. A sprinkle of cumin. Cumin makes it taste like a Mexico.

Directions

1. Give the rice a quick bath. Fill the inner pot with water, swish it around, and pour it out.
2. Open the can of black beans. Drain them in a strainer. Rinse them with water. The can liquid is not your friend. It is thick and weird. Say goodbye to it.
3. Place the rice, broth, black beans, salsa, and cumin into the inner pot. Stir once to combine. The salsa will turn the liquid red. That is correct. It is not a mistake. It is dinner.
4. Cover the pot. Press the cook button. Let the machine do its work. It does not need you to hover. It has been doing this for years.
5. When the cycle ends, keep the lid closed for 10 minutes. The trapped steam finishes the cooking. No peeking. Peeking lets steam escape. Escaped steam means uneven rice.
6. Remove the lid. Gently separate the grains with a fork. The beans should be soft. The rice should be tender and slightly red. It should look like you tried. Even if you did not.
7. Serve warm. Top with cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro if you have them. The toppings make it better. Cheese makes everything better.

Note: This is cheap, filling, and delicious. Rice and beans are a classic combination. They are also cheap. Very cheap. So cheap you will have money left over for something fun. Like more rice and beans. The salsa adds flavor without extra work. Add corn for sweetness. Add jalapenos for heat. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of water. This one is perfect for busy weeknights.