Portuguese Black Bean Rice (Arroz de Feijão Preto)

1. In a pot, heat the olive oil, onion, bacon, and bay leaves over medium heat.
2. Stir and let it heat up well.
3. When it is hot, add the garlic and sauté for a bit.
4. Add the tomatoes and chopped parsley to the sautéed mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and cooked down.
5. Add the rice and stir well.
6. Allow it to heat up.
7. When the rice starts to turn translucent, add the white wine, tomato paste, salt, and hot sauce or pepper.
8. Stir everything well and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
9. Add half of the chicken stock and stir.
10. Let it cook for another 9 minutes over medium heat.
11. After 9 minutes, when the rice is partially cooked, add the black beans and stir well.
12. Gradually add the remaining stock, stirring well between each addition, and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
13. When you add the last of the stock, stir and once it starts to bubble, cover and let it rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Recipe & Photo Credit: Neuza Costa