Belizean Rice and Beans

This is from Just Food. I haven't tried it yet. In Belize they use a small piece of salt pork in it and omit the salt. I think that could be very good. I have no idea how long it takes to make.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 8  ounces dried red kidney beans
• 2  cups rice
• 1  cup  thick coconut milk
• 1  medium onion, sliced
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped green pepper
• 1  garlic clove (optional)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt (or a piece of salt pork)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Cover beans in water, and soak overnight.
2. Put beans in pot; add onions, bell pepper, garlic, and enough water to boil until beans are tender and whole. Add coconut milk, and seasonings.
3. Add rice to beans, and cook over gentle heat until liquid is absorbed. Stir gently with a fork, and add a little water as necessary, until rice is cooked.