Coconut Rice and Peas

Ingredients for Coconut Rice and Peas

• 240ml dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight, drained

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 large shallot, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon chopped oregano

• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme

• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 1 (375g) can unsweetened coconut milk

• 475ml basmati rice

Place beans in a large saucepan and cover with 1450ml cold water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, skimming foam from surface as needed, then reduce heat to maintain a bare simmer. Cook, adding water as needed to keep beans covered by at least 1", until beans are completely tender, 1–1 1/2 hours.

Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium. Add shallot, oregano, and thyme and cook, stirring often, until shallot is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer beans to skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Pour out all but 475ml bean cooking liquid from saucepan; add coconut milk and bring to a simmer over medium heat. While liquid is heating up, place rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until water runs clear. Add rice to saucepan, reduce heat to a bare simmer, and cover. Cook rice 10 minutes, then uncover and stir in reserved bean mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Cover pan and cook until rice is tender, 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and uncover. Fluff rice with a fork.

Rice and beans can be made 1 hour ahead. Keep covered. Reheat gently before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.