Delicious and Flavorful Belizean Rice and Beans Recipe

Enjoy the taste of Belize with this authentic and flavorful Belizean Rice and Beans recipe. This dish combines aromatic spices, tender red beans, and fluffy rice for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to make and will transport your tastebuds to the beautiful beaches of Belize. Give it a try and embrace the flavors of Central America.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red kidney beans
• 2 cups white rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. Rinse the red kidney beans and soak them in water overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices release their flavors.
4. Add the soaked red kidney beans, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.
5. While the beans are cooking, rinse the white rice until the water runs clear. Drain well.
6. After the beans are tender, stir in the rinsed white rice. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
7. Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Fluff the rice and beans with a fork to mix them together.
8. Serve the Belizean Rice and Beans hot, garnished with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.

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