Belize's Red Bean Choice

Belize is known for its rice and beans, a dish that is considered the country's national dish. The beans used in this signature meal are red kidney beans. The dish is usually served with stewed chicken and potato salad or cole slaw, and enjoyed at lunchtime.

Red kidney beans are used in Belize

The recipe for Belizean red beans and rice involves cooking the beans with onion, garlic, and cilantro, and then mixing them with rice, coconut milk, and various seasonings. The dish is simple to make and can be prepared by anyone, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy an authentic taste of Belize from their own homes.

The use of coconut milk and oil is what sets Belize's version of beans and rice apart from other Latino countries' versions. Coconuts are native to Belize and are a defining ingredient in many traditional dishes. Belizean cuisine reflects the country's colonial history, with influences from Indigenous, Spanish, and British cultures.

In addition to the classic red beans and rice dish, kidney beans are also used in other Belizean meals such as panades, garnaches, and Johnny Cakes. Kidney beans are a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be repurposed in various dishes, making them a popular choice in Belizean cuisine.

Soak beans for 4-8 hours

Soaking beans is an important step in the cooking process. It helps to rehydrate the beans, making them softer and easier to cook. The length of time you should soak beans can vary depending on the type of bean and the desired texture, but for red kidney beans—a key ingredient in the Belizean dish, beans and rice—it's recommended that you soak them for around 4-8 hours.

Before soaking your beans, it's important to sort and rinse them. Place the beans in a bowl or container and cover them with cold water. Swish them around and remove any beans that float to the surface, as well as any discoloured beans or small stones. Pour off the water and repeat this process until the water runs clear. Then, you can begin the soaking process.

To soak your beans, place them back into a clean bowl or container and cover them with fresh cold water. The water level should be about 3 inches (around 7.5 cm) above the beans. Leave the beans to soak for 4-8 hours at room temperature. If you're using distilled water, 2 hours may be enough to soften the beans.

After soaking, discard the soaking water and rinse the beans again. At this point, you can begin cooking your beans. Place the beans in a pot with fresh water, bring them to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that forms and add your desired vegetables, spices, or seasonings. Note that it's best to avoid adding salt until the beans are about 80% cooked, as salt can prevent the beans from fully softening.

By soaking your beans for the recommended time, you'll help ensure that they cook evenly and attain the desired tenderness. Soaking is an important step in preparing beans for dishes like Belizean beans and rice, where the beans are a key component of the dish's flavour and texture.

Boil beans with garlic and onion

To boil beans with garlic and onion, you'll need to prepare the following ingredients:

• Red kidney beans
• Garlic
• Onion
• Coconut milk
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Water

First, wash the beans and soak them in water for 4 hours. If you're using distilled water, 2 hours of soaking will be enough. Next, boil the beans with the garlic, onion, and some pig's tail, salted beef, or bacon pieces. You can use a pressure cooker to speed up this process. Once the beans are tender, season them with black pepper, thyme, and salt. Remember, if you used salted beef or pig's tail, you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add.

Now, it's time to add the coconut milk. Stir it in, let the mixture boil, and then add your rice. Cover the pot and cook everything on low heat until the rice is tender and has absorbed the water. If needed, you can gradually add more water until the rice reaches your desired consistency.

• If you're using dried red kidney beans, make sure there are no stones or discolored beans before washing and soaking them.
• When boiling the beans, you can add a few cups of water, ensuring the beans are well-covered.
• For a more intense garlic flavor, you can mince or crush the garlic before adding it to the pot.
• If you want to add some spice, include a diced red bell pepper or jalapeno when sautéing the garlic and onion.

Add coconut milk

Red beans and rice is a traditional dish in Belize, and it is often cooked in coconut milk. Coconut is native to Belize and is a defining ingredient in many traditional dishes.

To make Belizean red beans and rice, you will need to first cook the beans. Wash and soak the beans for 4 hours, then boil them with garlic, onion, and pig's tail/salted beef/bacon pieces. You can also add spices like black pepper, thyme, and salt to taste.

Once the beans are cooked, it's time to add the coconut milk. Stir the coconut milk into the beans and let the mixture boil. Then, add the rice to the seasoned beans, stir, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice is tender.

• Use dried, small red kidney beans for the best results.
• If you can't find fresh coconut, canned coconut milk is a suitable substitute.
• Don't add salt to your beans before boiling them, as this can affect how they cook.
• You can also make a variation of this dish called beans-and-rice, where the beans are served with white rice instead of being cooked together.

Serve with chicken and potato salad

Belizean cuisine is a rich tapestry of cultural influences, and one of its most famous dishes is the hearty and flavourful rice and beans. This meal is traditionally cooked in coconut milk and served with a variety of sides and meat dishes. One classic combination is to serve the rice and beans with chicken and potato salad.

The chicken and potato salad is a delicious and simple dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is a great way to bond with your loved ones while creating a tasty meal. The salad typically includes boneless chicken breast, potatoes, and a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions. It is seasoned with salt and black pepper, and the addition of mayonnaise gives it a creamy texture.

To prepare the salad, you'll first need to boil the chicken and vegetables. Start by boiling the potatoes, as they take the longest to cook. You can add the carrots after a few minutes, and then the chicken. Once everything is cooked, let it cool and then cut it into cubes. For a creamier texture, you can also add soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs.

The salad dressing is a simple mixture of mayonnaise, onion powder, black pepper, and other seasonings. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste and even add a bit of sugar for a touch of sweetness. Combine the cubed vegetables, chicken, and salad dressing in a large bowl, and gently toss to coat everything evenly. For the best results, chill the salad in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

This chicken and potato salad is a delightful addition to any meal, and it pairs perfectly with the Belizean rice and beans. It's a great way to bring a taste of Belize to your table and share a cultural experience with your family and friends.

Frequently asked questions