Black Beans and Rice with Cilantro Pesto
                                                           

Ingredients:
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
cumin (to taste)
Mexican oregano(to taste)
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

Directions:
Place soaked beans in a medium saucepan and cover with water.
Add salt to taste
Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium-low, at this point add cumin and Mexican oregano 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.
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). I filled the difference with chicken broth.
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.