Recipe(tried): Cajun Rice, Pineapple Coconut Rice and Black Bean and Rice Salad

Cajun Rice

1 can tomatoes, chopped
1/2 c. onions, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 c. rice
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. oregano
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Drain tomatoes, reserve liquid. Add enough water to tomato liquid to make 1 1/2 cups. Chop tomatoes reserve. Saute onions, bell pepper and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add rice, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook stirring, constantly over medium heat; for 1 minute. Add reserved tomatoes and tomato liquid. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low cover and cook until all liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff with fork.

Pineapple-Coconut Rice
Recipe By : Cooking Light-3/98
Serving Size : 4

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup diced onion
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup uncooked basmati or long-grain rice
1 1/2 cups diced fresh pineaple
1 cup water
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons flaked sweetened coconut
1/2 teaspoon salt

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over med. heat. Add diced onion,thyme, and pepper, and saute 2 min. Add rice, and cook 1 min. Stir in the pineapple, and remaining ingred., and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 min. or until rice is done and liquid is absorbed.

NOTES : Goes good with fish or pork entree.

Black Bean and Rice Salad
Recipe By : Houston Chronicle-6/20/98
Serving Size : 2

1/2 cup long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or balsamic)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 medium garlic clove -- crushed
1 cup canned black beans -- rinsed & drained
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper

Bring a large pot with 2-3 qts of water to a boil. Add rice and boil, uncovered, about 10 min. Test a grain; rice should be cooked through but not soft. Drain. Meanwhile whisk vinegar, oil and water together. Add onion and garlic. Add to rice with the beans and cilantro and toss with a fork. Add salt and pepper to taste.