Directions

1. Pick over beans, and discard any broken ones. Rinse, and place in a large saucepan. Add bay leaf and enough water to cover beans by 2 inches. Bring water to a boil. Turn down heat, and cook at a steady simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The cooking time will vary according to the age of the beans. Toward the end of the cooking time, add salt to taste. Let beans cool in liquid; drain when cool, and discard bay leaf.
2. Place rice in a 2-quart saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add 3 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, and transfer to a bowl.
3. Cut cucumber and celery into 1/4 inch dice. Add to rice along with beans and scallions. Toss with vinaigrette. Serve at room temperature within a few hours.