Cuban Rice and Beans

Cuban Rice and Beans

One onion, chopped
One green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
5 cloves garlic, chopped
1 c. rice (white or brown)
2 cans of black beans, rinsed (if using dried and cooked, use about 2 c.)
1-3/4 c. water
One can diced tomatoes
One bay leaf
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. dried thyme
Salt to taste (I don't salt, but let everyone salt their own bowl to taste)

I made this in my rice cooker, so I just added everything to the pot and turned it on. If you don't have a rice maker, or don't want to use it, just saute the vegetables, then add everything but the rice to a large pot and simmer until done, probably about 20 minutes. Serve over cooked rice.