Spicy Black Bean Jambalaya

Started out as a soup, but with the addition of rice makes a nice jambalaya. For the rice I use Uncle Ben's ready to serve brown rice, which eliminates the rice cooking process.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup  frozen onion
• 1⁄4 cup  frozen bell pepper
• 1  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 1  teaspoon black pepper
• 1  teaspoon  minced garlic
• 10  canned jalapeno slices (optional)
• 2  tablespoons salsa
• 2  teaspoons  hot sauce
• 1 (15 1/4ounce) can black beans, drained not rinsed
• 1  cup water
• 2  cups brown rice (cooked) or 2  cups white rice (cooked)
•  shredded cheese (optional)

Directions

1. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat.
2. Add onions, bell peppers and spices and saute until soft.
3. Add garlic and saute until you can smell the aroma.
4. Add jalapenos if desired, salsa, hot sauce, black beans, water, and rice and mix well. Turn heat up to high and let come to a boil.
5. Once it comes to a boil, turn the heat down to medium, cover, and let simmer for 8 - 10 minutes.
6. Garnish with shredded cheese if desired.