Ingredients

• 4 cups water

• 2 cups rice

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 ribs celery, chopped

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans

• 2 smoked Spanish chorizo sausage links, coarsely chopped

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 (8 ounce) jar picante sauce

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, or more to taste

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon white sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (Optional)