Caribbean-Style Rice and Beans

Tony Spataro's Note:

Almost every ethnicity includes a rice-and-beans dish as part of its cooking tradition. In Jamaica and throughout much of the Caribbean, the favored dish is known as "rice and peas," and is remarkable for its use of savory spices and coconut milk.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 8.0 cups

• 1 ½ cups dried red beans , soaked overnight
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 2 scallions , chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , crushed
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper

Directions:

1. Boil beans, garlic and salt until beans are tender.
2. Reserve three cups of liquid from the boiled beans.
3. Place beans and reserved liquid in a pot along with all remaining ingredients.
4. Bring liquid to a boil; add rice; heat to boiling again.
5. Turn down heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until water has dried.
6. Add beans to rice; stir well.
7. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.