Skillet Red Beans and Rice

Course :	Beans
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	6

Ingredients:

1	tablespoon	canola oil
1	medium	onion -- finely chopped
1	medium	green bell pepper -- finely chopped
1	rib	celery -- finely chopped
3	cloves	garlic -- minced
1	can	kidney beans -- rinsed and drained
1	cup	rice -- uncooked
1/4	pound	canadian bacon -- finely chopped
1	piece	bay leaf
1	teaspoon	dried thyme
1/2	teaspoon	black pepper

Preparation:

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over med high heat until hot. Add onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic; cook and stir 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add 2 1/2 cups water, beans, rice, bacon, bay leaf, thyme, and black pepper to skillet. Cover. Cook over med heat 15 to 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove bay leaf; discard. Garnish with sprigs of thyme, if desired.