Beans and Rice with Coconut Rice and Scotch Bonnet (Jamaican)

If you prefer, you can use canned red kidney beans in this satisfying side dish, served alongside Braised Oxtail with Butter Beans. Simply skip the first step and rinse one 15 oz can of beans before adding them to the pan in step two.

8 oz dried kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
kosher or sea salt
black pepper, freshly ground
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1 green Scotch bonnet chile, pierced with a paring knife
2 cups long grain white rice

In a large saucepan, cover the beans with water, season liberally with salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring, until tender, about 40 minutes. Drain the beans in a colander and return the pan to medium heat.

Heat the oil in the pan and then stir in the garlic and scallions and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 minutes. Return the beans to the pan, add the coconut milk and chile, and bring to a simmer. Cook the beans, stirring, until the coconut milk is reduced and thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse the rice in a sieve under cold water until the water runs clear, and then drain.

Stir the rice and 2 cups water into the pan and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook, undisturbed, until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover the rice and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Makes 6-8 servings.