Black Beans & Rice

• 1 bag of black beans (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup brown rice
• 6 tablespoons whey or lemon juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• meat (beef or chicken) (optional)

THE NIGHT BEFORE
Put the black beans in a large bowl. Add enough filtered water to generously cover the beans. Add in 3 tablespoons of whey or lemon juice. Cover the bowl and let it sit on the counter overnight. Do the same with the rice - put in a bowl and cover with water, then add in 3 tablespoons of whey. Cover and let both of these sit on the counter overnight to soak.

THE NEXT DAY
Drain the water from the black beans, pour them into a large pot, and cook according to package directions (substitute one cup of water for the one cup of chicken broth). Add 1/2 cup butter to pot as well as beans cook.

While beans are cooking, drain the rice, then cook according to package directions.

Once the rice and beans are cooked, add rice to beans along with the salt and pepper. Mix well.

Serve with a large lettuce salad!