Sneha's Recipe: Belize

Rice and Beans is one of the most popular foods in Belize and the national dish of the country. The rice is cooked with coconut milk to give the dish a rich, tropical flavor but it’s made even more tasty by the addition of red kidney beans! . Serve this as a side with any protein for a yummy meal! The beans add some protein and fiber to the dish, making it more filling and healthy to eat.
The best part of this recipe that it is vegan and gluten free. For this recipe I have used dried kidney beans, you can use a can of cooked beans to reduce the time and make a quick meal.

Serves 3
Ingredients
To Cook The Beans
1/3 Cup Dried Red Kidney Beans
1½ Cup Water
Salt to taste
To Make The Rice & Beans
1 Cup Long Grain Rice
Cooked Red Kidney Beans
1 Small Onion - chopped
1 Clove Garlic - chopped
½ Teaspoon Dried Thyme

1 Cup Coconut milk
2 Cups Water - I used 2nd & 3rd extract of the coconut milk
Salt, to taste
2 Tablespoons Oil or Desi Ghee

Method

Rinse the beans in water and soak them for at least 4 hours. Then place them in pressure cooker with water, and cook on high for one whistle then reduce the flame and cook it for 10 minutes on medium look flame. When cooker cools open and check if the beans are cooked but firm. Drain the beans and keep aside.

In a large heat oil add the onions and garlic sauté till the onions are translucent. Then add the rice and sauté for a minute or two. Add salt, thyme, cooked beans, thin & thick coconut milk. Lightly give it good mix. Bring this to a rolling boil and place the lid, on the pot, reduce the flame to medium low, let it cook for 10 - 15 minutes. After 12 - 15 minutes remove the lid and check if the rice is cooked and all the moisture is absorbed by the rice. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot with potato salad or any protein of your choice. Enjoy this Belizean Rice & Beans!