Food Network: Black Beans and Rice with Cilantro Pesto

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Black Beans and Rice with Cilantro Pesto
Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

1 pound black beans, picked over, soaked overnight
and drained

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 Spanish onion, finely chopped

2 cups long grain rice

Salt and freshly ground pepper

2 cups chopped cilantro leaves, plus 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon pine nuts

3/4 cup pure olive oil

1/2 cup grated cotija cheese

Place soaked beans in a medium saucepan and cover with

water. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until
cooked through, about 1 1/2 hours, adding more water if needed. Drain beans into a
colander set over a bowl and reserve the cooking liquid from the beans.

Heat oil in a medium saucepan on the grates of the grill. Add the onions and cook
until soft. Add the rice, toss to coat in the oil and onion mixture, and cook for
2 minutes. Add 3 3/4 cups of the bean cooking liquid (if there is not enough
liquid, add some water to measure 3 3/4 cups). Season the rice with salt and
pepper, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, place cover on the pot, and
cook until rice is just cooked through, about 14 to 16 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, place cilantro, garlic and pine nuts in a food
processor and process until coarsely chopped. With the motor running, add the oil
and process until smooth. Add the cheese and process until incorporated. Season
with salt and pepper, to taste.

Place rice and beans in a large bowl, fold in the cilantro pesto, and garnish with
the additional chopped cilantro.