Caribbean Rice and Peas

Ingredients

• •2 cups rice
• •1 can kidney beans, drained
• •1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
• •2 cloves garlic, minced
• •3 scallions, chopped
• •1 tsp fresh thyme
• •4 whole allspice berries (or 1/2 tsp ground allspice)
• •1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (left uncut)
• •Salt to taste

Steps

1. 1.Combine the rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, garlic, scallions, thyme, and allspice in a pot with about 1 1/2 cups water.
2. 2.Nestle the whole scotch bonnet pepper into the pot without cutting it - this infuses fragrance and a touch of heat without making the dish too spicy.
3. 3.Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.
4. 4.Simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.Remove and discard the whole scotch bonnet pepper, season with salt, and fluff with a fork before serving.