Black Beans and Rice

Start the water boiling in a fairly large pot; add the fat (if desired).
When it boils, add the rice.
Stir for the first minute, then cover and turn the heat as low as possible.
Rice should only cook for 20 minutes; you'll get perfect white rice every time by following a 2:1 rice-water ratio and following these directions.
Heat a saucepan slightly, then add oil and heat that briefly as well (this prevents sticking).
Saute the onion until aromatic, then add garlic; don't brown.
Turn the heat down to medium low.
Dump the whole can of beans in.
Add the vinegar, spices and chopped tomato, stir, and let simmer, covered.
When rice is done (20 minutes), remove from heat.
Serve beans over rice.