Rice And Black Beans

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced coarsely
• 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped or 1 can stewed tomatoes (save liquid)
• 1 c. raw white or brown rice, washed
• 1 can black beans (save liquid)
• 1 1/2 c. beef or chicken broth (use saved liquid with white rice or 2 c. liquid with brown rice)
• 1 tsp. salt (optional)
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 tsp. dried flaked chili pepper
• herbs: pinch of tarragon, oregano and bay leaves
• 1 c. cooked ham (optional)