Puerto Rican Red Beans and Rice

When we lived in Puerto Rico, this was a favorite meal. We're back in the States now, but when I make Red Beans and Rice it transports me back to La Isla Del Encanto! It can be eaten as a meal itself or with a simple salad.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  chopped lean ham
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped onion
• 1⁄2 cup green bell pepper
• 1⁄2 cup chorizo sausage, optional
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 2  cloves garlic, minced
• 1  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 (19 ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 (8 ounce) can  unsalted tomato sauce
• 1  tablespoon Tabasco sauce
• 2  cups  uncooked white rice
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Over medium heat, heat oil in a large saucepan.
2. Add ham, chorizo, onion and green pepper, garlic and cumin.
3. Sauté until vegetables are tender.
4. Add beans, tomato sauce and Tabasco sauce.
5. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add in remaining ingredients and 4 cups water.
7. Bring to boil.
8. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is tender.