Thursday, December 12, 2013

Black Beans and Rice with Chicken and Apple Salsa

This dinner was so delicious! Light and crisp and full of flavor. This is a healthy dinner that has so much going on your family will clean their plates. This meal is the perfect way to add a bit of spice and fresh flavor to a cold winter day!


Ingredients:
1 cup chopped peeled Granny Smith apple
1/4 cup chopped cilantro, divided
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion, divided
2 limes
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoons coriander
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 13.5 ounce can chicken broth
2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cooked brown or white rice (we love instant brown rice)
 4 grilled chicken breasts
4-6 lime wedges
1. Combine apple, cilantro, 2 tablespoons onion, and the juice from half a lime.  Sprinkle with a little kosher salt and black pepper.  Set aside.
2. Next, combine the remaining onion and oil in a large skillet.  Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until completely softened, 6-7 minutes.  Add garlic and next 3 ingredients; stir constantly for 2 minutes.  Stir in broth and beans and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium and using the back of a spoon mash some of the beans and stir often, until sauce is thickened, 8-10 minutes (or longer if needed).  Season with salt and pepper to taste and a big squeeze of lime juice.  Divide rice and beans among plates.  Top with some chicken and apple salsa.  Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges. 
This is a wonderful meal just as it is but you could add a fruit salad or warm tortillas on the side to really send it over the top! Yum!!
Serves about 4-6 people. 
Slightly adapted from Our Best Bites