Yellow Rice

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the oil in a medium saucepan, with a tight-fitting lid, over medium-high heat.
2. 2
   Add the onion, pepper, and annatto, and cook, stirring, until somewhat soft, about 2 minutes.
3. 3
   Add the rice and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 2 minutes more.
4. 4
   Add water, salt, and bay leaf and bring to a boil.
5. 5
   Wrap the lid tightly with a kitchen towel.
6. 6
   Cover the rice, lower the heat to a simmer, cook for 20 minutes.
7. 7
   Remove the rice from the heat and set aside, covered, for 10 minutes.
8. 8
   Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
9. 9
   Serve with the black beans.
10. 10
    Put the beans in a large saucepan, add the water and bay leaf, and bring to a boil.
11. 11
    Set aside, covered, for 1 hour.
12. 12
    Return the beans to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, cook uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours.
13. 13
    Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
14. 14
    Add the onion and peppers and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes.
15. 15
    Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, and coriander and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
16. 16
    Add the onion mixture to the beans and continue simmering until the beans are very tender and the liquid has thickened, about 1 1/2 hours more.
17. 17
    If the beans seem too thick, adjust the consistency with a little bit of water.
18. 18
    Stir in the vinegar, season with the salt, cayenne, and pepper to taste.
19. 19
    Serve.
20. 20
    Yield: about 4 side dish servings