Coconut Rice and Beans

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 1 cup (200g) beans (red kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans) 1 cup (200g) beans (red kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 48g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice and beans under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir it for a minute to coat it with the onion and garlic mixture.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and add the beans, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. 5.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy the flavors of this Tanzanian delicacy.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the cream and liquid are well combined.
• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Beans — If using canned beans, drain and rinse them before adding to the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the rice in a little oil before adding the coconut milk.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of paprika or adding chili powder.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a tangy twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Coconut Rice and Beans can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or paired with a variety of sides. It is traditionally served with a side of fresh salad or vegetables to add a refreshing element to the meal. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Coconut Rice and Beans, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a few slices of fresh chili pepper. This will add a pop of color and a touch of visual appeal to the dish.