Mexican Rice Delight

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ¾ cup chicken stock
• one 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Heat the olive oil in the 12 ½” Gotham skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and onions and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice and cook, while stirring, to toast. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika and salt and pepper to taste, and stir until it's well blended.
4. Add the chicken stock and the black beans and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid and cook on low until the rice is tender and the chicken stock is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for 5 minutes.
   Remove the lid and fluff with a fork. Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.