Rice & Beans

Coconut Rice And Beans

Name: Coconut Rice And Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried black beans, sorted and rinsed; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 2 cups coconut milk; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges

By Opal Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Beans

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I had Coconut Rice And Beans at my abuela's house in Guadalajara. The combination of flavors and textures was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The coconut added a rich, creamy element to the traditional Mexican rice and beans, while the spices and herbs brought a depth of flavor that was just incredible. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the simplicity and elegance of this dish, and I knew I had to learn how to make it for myself.

One of the things I love about Coconut Rice And Beans is its versatility. You can serve it as a main dish, or as a side to accompany your favorite Mexican recipes. It's also a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as it's free from animal products. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make authentic Mexican Coconut Rice And Beans, just like my abuela used to make. We'll start with the basics, covering the ingredients and equipment you'll need, and then move on to the cooking process. I'll share my tips and tricks for getting the perfect texture and flavor, and provide some variations and substitutions for you to try.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their meal routine. So let's get started, and discover the delicious world of Coconut Rice And Beans!

As we cook, I want to encourage you to think about the people and places that inspire your love of food. For me, it's my abuela and her traditional Mexican recipes. For you, it might be a favorite restaurant, a family member, or a special occasion. Whatever it is, I hope this recipe helps you to connect with your own food story, and to share that with the people you love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as it's free from animal products
The dish is incredibly versatile and can be served as a main course or side
It's perfect for family dinners and gatherings, as it serves a large crowd
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite spices and ingredients
It's a great way to introduce your family to new flavors and ingredients
The dish is relatively inexpensive to make, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Coconut Rice And Beans is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook them with care. The coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish, while the spices and herbs provide a depth of flavor that's just incredible. By toasting the spices and charring the onion and garlic, we bring out their natural sweetness and add a smoky element to the dish.

Another important factor is the ratio of liquid to rice and beans. We want to make sure that the liquid is fully absorbed, so that the rice and beans are cooked to perfection. This is why we use a combination of coconut milk and water, and why we cook the dish over low heat for an extended period of time.

Finally, it's all about the texture. We want the rice and beans to be tender, but still retain some of their natural texture. This is why we cook them until they're just done, and then let them rest for a few minutes before serving. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Mexican Coconut Rice And Beans dish that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Coconut Rice And Beans, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. We'll be using a combination of traditional Mexican ingredients, such as onion, garlic, and cumin, along with some more exotic elements, like coconut milk and chopped fresh cilantro. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final dish.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the coconut milk. Look for a full-fat version, as it will add a rich and creamy texture to the dish. You can find coconut milk in most grocery stores, usually in the international or baking aisle.

1 cup dried black beans, sorted and rinsedBlack beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and they provide a rich, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Be sure to sort and rinse them before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
1 cup uncooked white riceWhite rice is a classic pairing with black beans, and it helps to soak up all the flavorful liquid in the dish. Look for a high-quality rice that's fresh and fragrant.
2 cups coconut milkCoconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish, and it helps to balance out the flavors of the onion, garlic, and spices. Look for a full-fat version for the best results.
1 large onion, choppedThe onion adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish, and it helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the coconut milk. Look for a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best results.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and it adds a pungent, savory flavor to the dish. Look for fresh, high-quality garlic for the best results.
1 teaspoon ground cuminCumin is a classic spice in Mexican cuisine, and it adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. Look for a high-quality cumin that's fresh and fragrant.
1 teaspoon smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish, and it helps to balance out the sweetness of the coconut milk. Look for a high-quality smoked paprika that's fresh and fragrant.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and it adds a touch of savory flavor to the dish. Look for a high-quality salt that's fresh and fragrant.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish, and it helps to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients. Look for a high-quality black pepper that's fresh and fragrant.
2 tablespoons olive oilOlive oil is a healthy and flavorful way to cook the onion and garlic, and it helps to bring out their natural sweetness. Look for a high-quality olive oil that's fresh and fragrant.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantroCilantro adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the dish, and it helps to balance out the richness of the coconut milk. Look for fresh, high-quality cilantro for the best results.
1 lime, cut into wedgesLime juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity to the dish, and it helps to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients. Look for fresh, high-quality limes for the best results.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot with a tight-fitting lidColander or fine-mesh strainerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerWooden spoon or silicone spatula

How to Make Coconut Rice And Beans

1
Rinse the black beans and pick out any debris or stones. Drain and set aside.
2
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
5
Add the rinsed black beans, coconut milk, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the black beans are tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 25-30 minutes.
7
While the black beans are cooking, prepare the rice. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
8
Add the rice to the pot with the black beans and stir to combine. Cook, covered, for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
9
Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This will help the rice and black beans to steam and become fluffy.
10
Fluff the rice and black beans with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot, with lime wedges on the side.
11
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lime juice to taste.
12
Serve the Coconut Rice And Beans hot, garnished with additional cilantro and lime wedges if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh spices and fragrant coconut milk, to get the best flavor.
Don't overcook the black beans, as they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Use a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid to help the rice and black beans cook evenly and retain their moisture.
Don't stir the rice and black beans too much, as this can cause them to become sticky and clumpy.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld together and the texture to become fluffy.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the combination that you like best.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped fresh tomatoes, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
Make a big batch of Coconut Rice And Beans and freeze it for later, as it reheats well and is a great convenience food.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not rinsing the black beans before cooking, which can cause them to be gritty or contain debris.
Overcooking the black beans, which can cause them to become mushy and unappetizing.
Not using enough liquid, which can cause the rice and black beans to become dry and sticky.
Stirring the rice and black beans too much, which can cause them to become clumpy and unappetizing.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, which can cause the flavors to not meld together and the texture to be unappealing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot with the onion and garlic for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, for a variation in texture and flavor.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor and texture.
Add some acidity to the dish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the top.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to find the combination that you like best.
Make a vegan version of the dish by using vegetable broth instead of water and omitting any animal products.

What to Serve With Coconut Rice And Beans

Coconut Rice And Beans is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a main course, accompanied by your favorite toppings or sides, or as a side dish to complement your favorite Mexican recipes. Some ideas for serving include:

Top the Coconut Rice And Beans with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of sour cream for a fresh and flavorful twist.

Serve the dish with a side of warm tortillas, salsa, and avocado for a delicious and filling meal.

Use the Coconut Rice And Beans as a filling for tacos or burritos, along with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Make a big batch of Coconut Rice And Beans and freeze it for later, as it reheats well and is a great convenience food.

Tortilla chipsSalsaGuacamoleGrilled meats or vegetablesSaladsTacos

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Coconut Rice And Beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, simply cool the dish to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate. To freeze, cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.

To reheat the Coconut Rice And Beans, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming. You can also add a little water or broth to the dish if it becomes too dry during reheating.

Some tips for storing and reheating Coconut Rice And Beans include:

Use an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent the dish from drying out or becoming contaminated.

Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of how long it's been stored.

Reheat the dish to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Consider adding a little fresh cilantro or lime juice to the dish after reheating, to brighten up the flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beans should I use for Coconut Rice And Beans?

You can use any type of bean you like, but black beans are traditional and work well in this recipe. Other options include pinto beans, kidney beans, or a combination of different beans.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans as a substitute for dried beans. Simply drain and rinse the canned beans, then add them to the pot with the rice and other ingredients.

How do I know if the Coconut Rice And Beans are cooked?

The dish is cooked when the rice and beans are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. You can check for doneness by tasting the rice and beans, or by checking the texture with a fork or spoon.

Can I make Coconut Rice And Beans ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Coconut Rice And Beans ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later. Simply reheat the dish when you're ready to serve it.

What can I serve with Coconut Rice And Beans?

Coconut Rice And Beans are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Some ideas include tacos, burritos, grilled meats or vegetables, and salads.

Can I customize the recipe to suit my tastes?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients. Some ideas include adding diced bell peppers, chopped fresh tomatoes, or shredded cheese.

Is Coconut Rice And Beans a healthy dish?

Yes, Coconut Rice And Beans can be a healthy dish, as it's made with whole grains, lean protein, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, the dish can be high in calories and fat, so be mindful of portion sizes and ingredients.

Can I make Coconut Rice And Beans vegan?

Yes, you can make Coconut Rice And Beans vegan by using vegetable broth instead of water and omitting any animal products. You can also substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative if desired.

The Full Recipe

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