Jamaican Rice and Peas (Coconut Rice and Beans)

Ingredients

• 1/2 tsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 onion, (diced)
• 1 garlic clove, (minced)
• 1 c rice, (dry)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 c water
• 1/2 c coconut milk ((canned))
• 1/2 c cooked red beans ((kidney beans or pigeon peas))
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat butter in a medium saucepan. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 1-2 minutes over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add rice, bay, thyme, pepper, water, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the beans and continue to cook, covered, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 8-10 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the bay leaf and mix in the salt. Let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.

5. 5

   Taste the rice and adjust the salt and pepper as desired.