Black Beans and Rice with apple salsa

I love to make this to go along with our Crock Pot Whole Chicken.  You can make it with rice, and it makes a meal on its own.  Recipe from Our Best Bites cookbook.

In the picture above, I served the beans without the salsa.  We were out of green apples, and I just didn't think the pink ladies would cut it. :)  This is soooo good with the salsa.  We definitely missed it last night.

recipe:
1 c chopped granny smith apple
1/4c chopped cilantro, divided.
1/3c finely chopped red onion, divided.
2 limes
1/3c finely chopped green bell pepper
1-2 tbls olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili pepper
3/4 tsp coriander
1/2 tsp cumin
1 13.5 ounce chicken stock
2 15oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
salt and pepper

combine apple, cilantro, 2 tbls onion, and the juice from 1/2 lime.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside.

Combine remaining onion, green bell pepper, and oil in a lg skillet.  Cook over med heat, stirring often, until completely softened, 6-7 minutes.  Add garlic and next 3 ingredients; stir constantly for 2 minutes.  Stir in broth and beans; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to med; simmer briskly, mashing some of the beans with the back of spoon and stirring often, until sauce is thickened, 8-10 minutes (or longer if needed).  Season with salt and pepper and a big squeeze of lime juice.  Top with apple salsa and garnish with sliced limes.  Serves 4-6