Creole Style Red Beans and Rice

   3 points   Cook Up Comfort STOVETOP

½ c brown rice
1 T canola oil
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 14 ½ oz can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 c vegetable broth
1 t dried thyme
1 t hot pepper sauce or to taste
¼ t salt
1/8 t cayenne, or to taste
2 15 oz cans kidney beans or small red beans, rinsed and drained
3 scallions, thinly sliced

1. Cook rice according to package directions
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add bell pepper, onion, celery, and garlic; cook, stirring until vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, broth, thyme, hot pepper sauce, salt, and cayenne to skillet, bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until flavors are blended, about 6 minutes. Stir in cooked rice and beans. Cook, stirring until heated through, about 3 minutes longer. Sprinkle with scallions.