Costa Rican Tico Breakfast with Westie's Black Beans

Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos, thus the name of this dish.  The typical Costa Rican breakfast is eggs with beans and rice.  The beans are extremely tasty. In Costa Rica, we stayed at a resort that offered gourmet breakfasts and I loved all the sides: bacon, fried plantains and avocado. The breakfasts also came with hot tortillas and butter.  Yum!

The rendition pictured above was made for me on Mother's Day by my husband and three kids.  Westie made the beans, and let me tell you, they were perfect!  He has made these so many times that he has the recipe memorized.  If your son doesn't make beans, follow the recipe below. This recipe doubles well.

Westie's Black Beans
Serves 6

1 Tblsp olive oil
1/3 onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 15oz canned black beans, mostly drained
1 Tblsp chicken boullion powder (I use Orrington Farms for a gluten-free version)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Pepper to taste

In a heavy saucepan, heat the oil and cook the onion and garlic over medium heat until golden and translucent. Add the cans of beans to the saucepan with some of the liquid. Add the bouillion powder, lower the heat to low, and cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and add more boullion powder and pepper, if desired.

Add the cilantro to the bean mixture just before serving.