Sweet Mama Beans and Rice

By Lindsey Scarber

6 (15 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed, drained 1 lg. onion, chopped 1 med.-size green pepper, chopped 2 cloves minced garlic, or garlic powder 1/4 c. olive oil 1/4 -1/2 lb. Bacon, ham, sausage (or for a vegetarian meal use beef bouillon) 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite-diced tomatoes, undrained 1 1/2 c. water 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar, or white vinegar 3 tbsp. sugar or honey 1/2 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. salt 2 cups dry rice, white or brown, steamed in 4 cups boiling water 1/2 c. chopped green onions (optional) Sour cream (optional) Steam the rice. Meanwhile, rinse beans; drain well and set aside. Sauté onion, green pepper, and garlic in olive oil in a large pot until vegetables are tender. Add beans, petite-diced tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, pepper, and salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium low, and simmer 10-15 min, stirring occasionally. Serve Sweet Mama Beans over the steamed rice... Top each serving w/ chopped green onions & a dollop of sour cream (optional).  Makes 8+ servings.