Coconut Rice with Beans

Coconut Rice with Beans Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Panama

Region / culture: Panama | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Coconut Rice with Beans is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the tropical taste of coconut with the heartiness of beans. This dish is a popular staple in many Caribbean and African countries, where coconut and beans are commonly used in cooking.

History

Coconut Rice with Beans has its origins in the Caribbean and Africa, where coconut and beans are abundant ingredients. This dish has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved comfort food for many families.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) grated coconut
2 cups rice
4 cups water
1 chopped onion
0.25 cup tomato paste
0.25 cup green peppers
2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp sugar
0.5 oz (14 g) hot pepper
1 can of red kidney beans
oil

How to prepare

Boil 2 cups of water with 1 cup of coconut for 2 minutes.
Leave the mixture aside to cool.
Once cooled, drain the milk from the mixture and set it aside.
Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pot and sauté 1 green pepper, 1 onion, and 1 hot pepper.
Add 2 tbsp of tomato paste, 1 cup of kidney beans, and the reserved coconut milk. Simmer for ten minutes.
Remove the hot pepper and add 1 tbsp of sugar and 1 tsp of salt.
Cover the pot and bring it to a boil.
Once it boils, add 1 cup of rice and cook on low heat until the rice is cooked.

Variations

Add diced carrots or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
Use black beans or chickpeas instead of kidney beans for a different twist.
Add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the coconut milk from the grated coconut mixture before using it in the recipe.

- Sautéing the green pepper, onion, and hot pepper before adding the beans and coconut milk helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Be sure to cover the pot while cooking the rice to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors of the coconut and beans.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut Rice with Beans can be served as a main dish on its own or paired with a side of salad or steamed vegetables. It is also delicious when served with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the coconut with water to extract the milk for a rich and creamy base.

- Sauté the vegetables before adding the beans and coconut milk to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Cover the pot while cooking the rice to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut milk instead of grated coconut for a quicker and easier version of this dish.

- Substitute brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.

- Use canned beans instead of dried beans for a faster cooking time.

Make Ahead Tips

Coconut Rice with Beans can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Coconut Rice with Beans in a large serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an elegant touch. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more casual presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Coconut Rice with Beans pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also goes well with a side of plantains or fried ripe plantains for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Coconut Rice with Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Coconut Rice with Beans contains approximately 300 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Coconut Rice with Beans contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Coconut Rice with Beans is a rich source of healthy fats, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams of fat. Coconut milk is high in medium-chain triglycerides, which are known for their health benefits.

Proteins

This dish is also a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 8 grams of protein. Beans are a great plant-based source of protein and are essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Coconut Rice with Beans is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and beans, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Coconut Rice with Beans is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is a well-rounded meal that is perfect for a balanced diet.

Summary

Coconut Rice with Beans is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Coconut Rice with Beans. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her tiny kitchen in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria. Maria was a wonderful cook, and she always seemed to effortlessly whip up delicious meals using the most humble of ingredients.

On that particular day, Maria was preparing a feast for her family, and I was lucky enough to be her sous chef. As she moved around the kitchen with grace and precision, I watched in awe as she transformed simple ingredients into mouth-watering dishes. But it was when she started making the Coconut Rice with Beans that I was truly captivated.

Maria began by toasting the rice in a pot until it turned a light golden color. Then, she added coconut milk, water, and a medley of spices that filled the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma. As the rice simmered away, Maria stirred in a generous amount of cooked black-eyed peas, which added a hearty texture to the dish. Finally, she topped it all off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

I was completely mesmerized by the process, and I knew that I had to ask Maria for the recipe. As soon as the meal was finished and we sat down to eat, I couldn't help but rave about how delicious the Coconut Rice with Beans was.

"Maria, this dish is absolutely amazing! Could you please teach me how to make it?" I asked eagerly.

Maria smiled warmly and nodded. "Of course, my dear friend. I would be happy to share this recipe with you."

And so, Maria patiently walked me through the steps of making the Coconut Rice with Beans. She explained that the key to the dish was using high-quality coconut milk and allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors as it cooked. She also emphasized the importance of seasoning the dish with just the right amount of spices to create a perfect balance of flavors.

I was grateful for Maria's guidance, and I diligently practiced making the recipe in my own kitchen. Over time, I made a few adjustments to suit my own taste preferences, adding a bit more heat with some chopped red chilies and swapping out the black-eyed peas for kidney beans for a different twist.

As I continued to perfect the recipe, I shared it with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned such a wonderful dish from Maria, who had passed down her culinary wisdom to me.

Years passed, and I continued to make the Coconut Rice with Beans for special occasions and gatherings. It became a signature dish of mine, loved by all who tried it. I even entered it into a local cooking competition and won first place, much to my delight.

To this day, whenever I make Coconut Rice with Beans, I think of Maria and the day she taught me how to make this incredible dish. Her generosity and talent in the kitchen have inspired me to experiment with new recipes and never be afraid to try something new. Maria's Coconut Rice with Beans will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of sharing food and creating memories around the dinner table.