So we gave you a Belizean Stewed Chicken recipe and to make a perfect weekend meal, here is the rice and beans to go with it. A great weekend meal!

Here’s a step-by-step recipe for Belizean rice and beans, a staple dish in Belizean cuisine:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rice (long-grain white rice is commonly used)

• 1 cup of red kidney beans (cooked; if using canned, drain and rinse them)

• 1/2 cup of coconut milk

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 1/2 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp of thyme (dried)

• 1/2 tsp of oregano (dried)

• 1/2 tsp of paprika

• 1/4 tsp of black pepper

• 1-2 tbsp of cooking oil

• Salt to taste

• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare Beans (if not using canned):

○ If starting with dry beans, soak them overnight in water. Cook them until tender in fresh water the next day. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

○ Heat cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Seasonings:

○ Stir in thyme, garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Sauté for another minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.

4. Combine Beans and Coconut Milk:

○ Add the cooked red kidney beans to the pot along with coconut milk. Stir well to combine with the aromatics and spices.

5. Add Rice:

○ Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice to the pot and stir until well combined with the beans and coconut milk mixture. Measurements for rice 1 cup of rice- 2 cups of water

6. Cook the Rice and Beans:

○ Pour enough water into the pot to cover the rice and beans by about half an inch. Season with salt to taste (start with about 1 tsp of salt).

7. Simmer:

○ Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Avoid stirring the rice too much during cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky.

8. Fluff and Serve:

○ Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a side dish or as a main dish with additional protein like stewed chicken or fish.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a small piece of bacon or ham during the sautéing step.

• You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor just before serving.

• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.

Enjoy an absolutely wonderful weekend meal! Best shared with family