Quick Black Beans And My New Favorite Salad

While neither of these recipes are terribly complex, I do want to make a record of them - especially since the salad and variations of it are already a staple in Mr. Bento.

Quick Black Beans

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1-2 heaping tbsp. garlic, minced
• 1/2 large or 1 small onion, diced
• a 15 oz. can of black beans
• 1-2 tsp. cumin
• salt and pepper to taste
• chopped cilantro for garnish
• sour cream

Put the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and saute till they soften, 3-5 minutes.

Drain some, but not all of the liquid from the black beans. Add beans and leftover liquid to pot. Season with cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, till warmed through and fragrant, about 5-10 minutes.

Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to incorporate. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over rice with sour cream.

Quick Summer Salad with Feta

• big handful of spring mix
• 1-2 tbsp. chopped onion
• 2-3 tbsp. crumbled feta
• salt and pepper to taste
• lemon wedge

Combine veggies, top with cheese, season to taste. Squeeze lemon over everything and mix before eating.