Some of us (who shall go unnamed) have been feeling a lot like this for the past week or so.

(He’s pretending he’s a pregnant woman.)

This means that meals around here have been a bit lackluster lately. I’ve been letting Barbie’s Sharpie outfits steal the show.

I just realized that I post quite a few pictures of my kids in their pajamas. I do dress them when I finally drag myself up from the prone position, I swear.

Over the weekend when I was throwing together a “What Do We Got Around Here” dinner, I found a box of rice and beans in the cupboard. I don’t remember buying it, which means someone probably gave it to us. It was “organic” though and the ingredients weren’t terribly scary, so into the pot it went.

As I was dumping the package of rice and dried beans and seasoning into the pot of water, I got to thinking that we use to eat stuff like this ALL THE TIME. It felt like a huge revelation to figure out that I could make this sort of meal or side dish myself WITHOUT little packets of anything, AND it actually tasted better!

Rice, beans and spices? We totally got this.

Beans and Rice, a vegetarian classic. Together they make a complete protein. Sir Mix-A-Lot lyrical inspiration. (Red beans and rice didn’t miss her!)

Unbelievably Easy (and Tasty) Black Beans and Rice

1 c of basmati rice (optional brown rice if you have the time and patience!)
2 c of water
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can of diced tomatoes
cumin, chili powder, salt, Tabasco to taste

Bring rice and water to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add spices, beans and tomatoes, stirring occasionally throughout the cooking process. It’s ready to eat as soon as your rice is done! (White rice = 20 minutes, brown rice = 45 minutes.)

So simple. No boxes or packets of seasoning required.

I doubled this recipe last night so we’d have plenty to last us a couple of days. I dined on leftovers for lunch, topped with 1/4 of an avocado so I can say that I ate a green vegetable today.

Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a sunny spot on the floor with my name on it.