I would like to thank everyone for their kind comments about the passing of my Mom-Mom. Our family truly appreciates all of the support we received from our friends and family. We gathered yesterday to say “goodbye” to my Mom-Mom…or as my Uncle Art put it, “See you later.” I already miss her so much and it hurts to know that she isn’t here right now. The other night I reread some old emails from her and it brought tears to my eyes realizing how much she cared about her grandchildren and family. I admire and love her so much and I know that she is continuing her journey in heaven with her loved ones that she has missed dearly over the years. She is finally reunited with her daughter, my Aunt Ginny, who we lost last November. I could only imagine how happy the two of them are and can picture them somewhere in peace by the ocean.
Now, to completely change the subject, I do have a good recipe to share.
This recipe for Black Beans & Rice with Chicken and Apple Salsa comes from the January 2012 issue of Bon Appetit. I found this recipe while I was flipping through Bon Appetit in the store one day and instead of buying the magazine, I took a picture of the recipe with my phone so I would remember to look up the recipe online. I was so excited to try this recipe as I love black beans, rice, avocado, and the likes.
I got around to making this recipe tonight for Christina and I and it turned out delicious. It made the perfect amount for 4 people so I packed up the leftovers for lunch tomorrow. I love having a good lunch…it makes my day so much better! I added to the recipe a bit and decided to add in sliced avocado because I don’t think I can eat a mexican meal without avocado. I also added shredded cheese and hot sauce. As I was following the recipe I realized that there was nothing spicy about it so the hot sauce definitely gave it the kick it needed. I highly recommend trying this recipe. It is full of different flavors, healthy, and delicious.
Black Beans & Rice with Chicken and Apple Salsa
I served this with good quality sweet potato tortilla chips. This recipe is very adaptable. If you do not have a rotisserie chicken you may substitute with another type of chicken. I chose to poach chicken in salted water. I recommend topping the finished dish with sliced avocado, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and hot sauce.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped peeled Granny Smith apple
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, divided
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion, divided
- 1 teaspoon (or more) fresh lime juice
- 1/3 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (I used ground cumin)
- 3 cups low-salt chicken broth
- 2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups cooked brown or white rice (I used medium grain brown rice)
- 1 2–3-pound rotisserie chicken, skin discarded and meat shredded (I used poached chicken)
- 4–6 lime wedges
- Avocado, hot sauce, & shredded cheese for topping (optional, but highly suggested!)
- Combine apple, 1/4 cup cilantro, 2 Tbsp. onion, and 1 tsp. lime juice in a small bowl; toss to coat. Set apple salsa aside.
- Combine remaining onion, bell pepper, and oil in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until completely softened, 6–7 minutes. Add garlic and next 3 ingredients; stir constantly for 2 minutes. Stir in broth and beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer briskly, mashing some of the beans with the back of a spoon and stirring often, until sauce is thickened, 8–10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and more lime juice, if desired.
- Divide rice and beans among plates. Top with some chicken and apple salsa. Garnish with remaining 1/4 cup cilantro and lime wedges.
Question: What adaptations would you make to this recipe?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
yumzzzz. i know you like to have good lunches so you can enjoy it with the snotty kids
I love that you put an apple in there. I’m always with the black beans & chicken, but that’s a good addition!