Caribbean Coconut Red Beans & Rice Delight
Transport your taste buds to the Caribbean with this creamy and flavorful Coconut Red Beans and Rice Delight. This comforting dish blends small red beans with aromatic spices, rich coconut milk, and tender basmati rice, all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for gatherings, this recipe serves 8 and is a true taste of the islands. Just a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty finish, making this a must-try for anyone looking to explore vibrant Caribbean cuisine. It's so good, you might just find yourself dreaming of palm trees and warm breezes – and maybe even considering a pet parrot!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (finely diced)
small dried red beans
1 cup (soaked overnight)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon
coconut milk
14 1/2 ounces (full fat, shake before opening)
chicken broth
3 cups
long grain basmati rice
1 1/2 cups (raw)
kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon
lime
2 (cut into wedges (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the red beans overnight in water, ensuring they are covered completely.
2
The next morning, drain the soaked beans and transfer them to a large pot filled with fresh water.
3
Bring the beans to a rapid boil on the stovetop for at least 10 minutes. This step is essential to eliminate any natural toxins.
4
After boiling, drain the beans and add them to a 4-quart slow cooker.
5
Stir in the finely diced onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, mixing well.
6
Pour in the entire can of full-fat coconut milk, including the creamy contents, followed by the chicken broth.
7
Add the raw long grain basmati rice and kosher salt to the mixture, and stir until evenly combined.
8
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the beans are tender when bitten.
9
Once cooked, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving to enhance its flavors.
10
Enjoy your Caribbean Coconut Red Beans & Rice Delight, perfect for meal prep as well – it freezes and reheats beautifully!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Coconut Red Beans & Rice Delight?
It is a creamy and flavorful dish blending small red beans, aromatic spices, full-fat coconut milk, and tender basmati rice, slow-cooked to perfection.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings.
What type of beans are used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of small dried red beans.
Is it necessary to soak the beans?
Yes, the red beans should be soaked overnight in water, ensuring they are completely covered.
Why must the beans be boiled before slow cooking?
Boiling the beans for at least 10 minutes is essential to eliminate any natural toxins.
What size slow cooker is required?
A 4-quart slow cooker is needed for this recipe.
What type of rice is recommended?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of raw long grain basmati rice.
What kind of coconut milk should be used?
Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for a rich and creamy texture.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of chicken broth.
How long does the dish cook in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on the low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
How do I know when the beans are done?
The beans are finished when they are tender when bitten.
When should I add the lime juice?
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving to enhance its flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep as it freezes and reheats beautifully.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, although it calls for chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian or vegan.
What aromatics are used in this recipe?
The dish uses one finely diced onion and two minced garlic cloves.
Is the dish spicy?
It contains 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which adds a mild spice.
What type of salt is used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
What should I do with the coconut milk before opening?
You should shake the can of coconut milk before opening and use the entire contents, including the cream.
Is the rice cooked before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the long grain basmati rice is added raw.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely diced before being added to the slow cooker.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, which should be minced.
What is the size of the coconut milk can?
The recipe uses a 14.5-ounce can of coconut milk.
What kind of texture does this dish have?
The dish is described as creamy, comforting, and hearty.
Are lime wedges required?
Lime wedges are optional but recommended for a zesty finish.
What is the first step in preparing the beans?
The first step is soaking the red beans overnight.
Can this be cooked on the high setting?
The recipe specifically recommends cooking on low for 8 to 10 hours for the best results.
Is this a traditional Caribbean dish?
It is described as a vibrant Caribbean-inspired cuisine that explores island flavors.
Should I drain the beans after boiling?
Yes, after boiling the beans for 10 minutes, they should be drained before being added to the slow cooker.
How is the flavor profile described?
It is a blend of aromatic spices, rich coconut, and zesty lime.