CARIBBEAN RICE WITH BEANS

By markemilw

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp oil (canola, vegetable, peanut, olive oil)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 onion, diced (brown, white, yellow)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 small fresh thyme spring
• Red pepper flakes
• 1 cup long grain rice (uncooked)
• 14 oz / 400g can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3/4 cup water (or 1 cup if you like your rice very soft) or chicken broth
• 1 small bay leaf
• 2 tsp cajun spice mix
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add onion and thyme, and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and just starting to turn golden brown.
Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine. Put the lid on and bring to boil, then turn the heat down to low.
Cook for around 20 minutes, until all the water is absorbed (tilt the saucepan - if there is no water, then it is ready).
Remove from the stove and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. During this time, any residual water will be absorbed and the rice will continue to cook.