delish beans and rice recipe!

i had not planned on including this recipe, but, i made it the other night and reminded myself how tasty it is!  this recipe appeals to everyone from allergy-inflicted to omnivore to vegan.

ingredients:
4 cans of beans (make sure you have at least one can each of red and black beans)
1 can of tomatoes (i use diced or stewed, though i chop if stewed)
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped bell pepper (i mix up the color, usually whatever i have on hand)
3/4 cup chopped onion
5 cloves minced garlic
2 T. (yes, tablespoons) basil
3 bay leaves
s&p to your liking
cayenne pepper aka red pepper (you can use hot sauce if you don't have this on hand)
cooked rice

method:
saute' celery, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in the olive oil and liberally salt and pepper the veggies; i just do this in a large stock pot or dutch oven to conserve dirty dishes for the clean up crew.  once the onions soften and become transparent add the basil, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper saute' a few minutes (a little goes a long way, so better to add more later if it is too tame).  then add the tomatoes and beans.  that's it.  you can let it simmer until thick or enjoy immediately (i personally like it to thicken so it isn't too soupy).  serve over rice and enjoy!
serves:  6-8