Tex-Mex Black Beans Saffron Rice

Ingredients:

2 5 ounce packages saffron rice mix plus ingredients to prepare rice according to package directions such as Mahatma brand
1 10 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes with mild green chilies such as Ro-tel mild or spicy
1 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed well
1/4 cup sour cream to taste
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese to taste
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves chopped

Prepare the saffron rice according to the package directions
using the amount of oil/butter and water as indicated on the package I usually use olive oil
While the rice is cooking
rinseamp; drain the black beans in a mesh strainer to remove all the sludgey canning liquid and dump them into a small saucepan
Pour the entire contents of the diced tomatoes w/chili peppers
liquid and all
into the same pan with the beans and stir to combine
Cover the saucepan with lid
turn on the heat to low
and let bean mixture heat while the rice cooks
stirring occasionally- it should be ready when the rice is done
When the rice is fully cooked
pour it into a deep
medium sized casserole dish
Pour bean mixture into the center of the rice
leaving a border of the yellow rice peeking out arounds the sides
Place the sour cream in the center of the bean mixture in a dollop as a garnish you can use more if you like
Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the sour cream and over the beans
Sprinkle with cilantro leaves optional if you like and serve immediately
NOTE If you dont have access to canned diced tomatoes with chilis
then you can substitute an equal amount of chunky salsa
if you like
You may wish to provide a bowl of additional sour cream as well as a bowl of more cheese for guests to add extra to each serving
but it isnt necessary