There are some certainties in life, some tangibles that, at the end of the day, you know you can rely on.
Black beans and rice? One of those certainties. Throw in a Boca chik’n patty for good measure (and additional protein), and you’re good to go.
Black beans and rice has been a go-to staple in our household for as long as I can remember. I can’t speak for LeeLee, but I know it was also a staple in my home growing up. Whenever we’re short on time or energy — tonight, LeeLee had to be at a meeting in 25 minutes, so we were definitely short on time — I am comforted to know that I can serve a healthy meal very, very quickly. In seven minutes, to be exact.
It’s all a matter of timing. On very rushed nights, like tonight, I don’t even cook the chik’n patties in the oven; I microwave them for a few minutes while the black beans are cooking. And when they’re done, I put old Uncle Ben into the microwave (“I’m feeling sorry for our rice cooker,” LeeLee lamented recently, but one must do what one must do when the clock is a’ticking!) while I chop an onion and some cherry tomatoes for garnish. By the time the microwave dings its final ding, dinner is served!
The stats:
Black beans: $1.00 ($0.50/person)
Uncle Ben’s Ready Rice: $1.75 ($0.88/person)
Boca Original Chik’n Patty: $3.50/four ($0.88/person)
GRAND TOTAL: $6.25 … or $2.26 per person.
:)