Beans and Rice, Rice and Beans

Thus is the diet of a hemorrhaging money, starving theatre artist:
Oatmeal,
Soup- of the canned and boxed varieties
potatoes
chickpea salad
black beans and rice

The main staple is beans and rice.
I eat beans and rice for at least one meal every day (no joke).

I was getting a little tired of this culinary delight, but then came across this recipe from Bon Appetit (saved again by the BA. I changed it quite a bit, made it vegetarian, didn't make the chicken or salsa). If you're feeling fancy or having a dinner party and want to impress, these updated black beans and rice will do the trick!

Special occasion black beans (adapted to vegetarian from Bon Appetit)
1 green pepper- chopped

1 red onion- chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves- minced
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cumin
3 c vegetable broth
2 15oz cans black beans- drained

- Combine onion, bell pepper and olive oil in a large sauce pan. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are softened, about 6-7 minutes. Add garlic and spices. Stir constantly for 2 minutes.
- Stir in broth and beans, bring to a boil then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the sauce is thickened. Mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon and stir occasionally.
- Serve with rice, potatoes, on a tortilla, with siracha etc.... Or get really fancy and throw some fresh vegetables in. But let's not get too big for our britches here.

I am waaaaaaay behind the times on this one. So far behind the times that I'm a little ashamed to call myself a Decemberists fan, but I finally bought THE KING IS DEAD.
I know Mag's has done a review of this, but I want to too.

Americana is the best thing to happen to The Decemberists since sliced bread.
Gillian Welch is the best thing to happen to The Decemberists since smart phones.
KING is my new favorite Decemberists album since CRANE WIFE.