Island Harmony: The Perfect Rice and Peas Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 cups longgrain white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup dried kidney beans (or canned kidney beans,
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for added heat)