Serves 4
The beans represent the soil, spinach is grass, rice snow, and cheese on top sheets of ice. This dish is microwaved.
2 1/4 cups water
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup brown rice
Pinch each of ground cumin and nutmeg
1 can (15 ounces) black beans
10 ounces fresh spinach, stemmed and rinsed
8 ounces reduced fat cheddar cheese, sliced
1. Bring 2 cups of salted water to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and turn the heat to low. Simmer for 35 to 45 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. Add more water, if the rice has absorbed the liquid but needs more cooking. When cooked, set aside for 5 minutes. Add pepper, cumin, and nutmeg.
2. Place the spinach leaves in a saucepan. Set over medium heat. Cover and steam for 3 minutes or until the leaves wilt. Remove the spinach from the pan with tongs, leaving the liquid in the pan.
3. In a 9-inch square microwaveable safe dish, spread the black beans. Cover with the spinach, then a layer of rice, and finally the slices of cheese.
4. Microwave the dish for 3 to 6 minutes to melt the cheese. Sophie Philibert
