Easy Vegetarian Black Beans and Rice Recipe – Flavorful & Filling— The Mom 100

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions ((chopped))
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped carrots ((about 2 large carrots))
• ½ cup chopped red bell pepper ((about 1 small pepper))
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chipotle puree ((or 2 teaspoons chili powder, optional))
• 4 (15.5-ounce) cans black beans ((drained and rinsed))
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes ((preferably in puree))
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups water ((or vegetable broth))
• 1 bay leaf
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ((to taste))
• 8 cups hot cooked white rice ((or brown rice))
• Grated cheddar cheese or crumbled cojita or queso fresco cheese
• Lime wedges ((to serve, optional))
• Sliced scallions ((optional))
• Sour cream ((optional))
• Hot sauce or salsa ((optional))