Belinean Rice & Beans

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ pound red kidney beans
• 2 cups rice
• 1 cup thick coconut milk
• 1 medium onion (sliced)
• ½ bell (green) pepper
• 1 clove garlic (optional)
• 1½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

METHOD / DIRECTIONS:

Cover beans in water, and soak overnight. Put beans in pot; add onions, bell pepper, garlic, and enough water to boil until beans are tender and whole. Add coconut milk, and seasonings. Add rice to beans, and cook over gentle heat until liquid is absorbed. Stir gently with a fork, and add a little water as necessary, until rice is cooked.