Simple Black Beans and Rice

Cook the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside to drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat.

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until they start to soften and caramelize, 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bloom 30 seconds. Add the red bell pepper, paprika, cumin and a good pinch of the Tony’s spice. Saute another minute.

Add in the diced tomatoes and saute until they start to break down a little, 3 minutes. Then pour in the beans. Toss to combine and cook 2 minutes. Taste. Add the honey, beer and another pinch of Tony’s. Cook another 2 minutes.

Toss in the cilantro to wilt, along with a few glugs of Tabasco. Take one final taste. More Tony’s? It acts as salt so don’t overuse.

Serve black bean mixture on a heaping mound of cooked rice and garnish with more cilantro leaves and the reserved bacon bits. Have more Tabasco on hand. It’s only right.