A tasty recipe for just one

Just yesterday I was talking to a friend who ate out of a can and said had never bothered to cook a meal for just one person. Agreed. Food has to be cooked and shared. It makes it more interesting when you have company.

Off and on I am also alone and going into the kitchen to cook for just myself is not very appealing. But, you've got to eat. It's better tasty food than can food. Here's a simple vegetarian Black Bean Chilie.

1 pot Simmered Black Beans
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons mild ground chilie powder
1 tablespoon lightly toasted cumin seeds, ground
1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste dissolved in 1 cup water
Salt, preferably kosher salt, to taste
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 cup cheddar cheese or crumbled goat cheese

Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat, and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until the onion is lightly colored, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, stir together for about a minute until fragrant, and add the chilie powder and cumin. Cook, stirring, for two to three minutes, until the mixture begins to stick to the pan. Add the tomatoes and salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and the mixture is beginning to stick to the pan, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste dissolved in water and bring back to a simmer. Season with salt to taste and simmer, stirring often, for 15 minutes, until the mixture is thick and fragrant. Stir the tomatoes with the beans. Simmer for a few minutes and add some chopped cilantro. Serve with some cheese crumbles on top.