FAST FIX

BLACK BEANS WITH BELL PEPPERS & RICE

My entire family falls hard for this vegetarian dish every time I make it. It’s pretty, quick and has an awesome kick of flavor. For my kids, the more cheese I add, the better.

—STEPHANIE LAMBERT MOSELEY, VA



START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 6 SERVINGS


1 tablespoon olive oil

1 each medium sweet yellow, orange and red pepper, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 package (8.8 ounces) ready-to-serve brown rice

1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add peppers, onion and garlic; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until tender. Add beans, rice, cumin and oregano; heat through.

2. Stir in 1 cup cheese; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Per 1 cup: 347 cal., 12g fat (6g sat. fat), 25mg chol., 477mg sod., 40g carb. (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g pro.

Diabetic Exchanges:1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.