Rice and Peas
Serves: 4 Prep: 10 min Cook: 1 hr 5 min
Ingredients
175g red Kidney beans
4 Tomatoes, peeled, seeds removed and chopped, optional
3 Spring onions, chopped, optional
2 Onions, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
4 sprigs Thyme, enough to give ½ tsp fresh leaves, plus extra for finishing
25g Butter
350g long grain rice
2 x 400ml cans coconut milk
freshley ground black pepper
Method
1. Drain the pre-soaked kidney beans, reserving the water. Put them in a pan and cover with the soaking water.
Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Skim any foam from the surface and discard.
2. Add the tomatoes and chopped spring onion (if using) along with the onions, garlic, thyme and butter to the beans and continue simmering for about 45 minutes, or until tender. Season well.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and add the rice – the liquid should cover the grains by about 3-4cm.
Top up with extra hot water if you need to. Stir well, cover with a lid, and simmer for a further 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Stir occasionally as it cooks to prevent the rice catching on the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with a few extra thyme leaves to finish.