Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      tablespoon    canola oil
   1      medium        onion -- finely chopped
   1                    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                    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.