Coconut Rice, Black Beans, and Fried Plantains

I just got back from my wedding/vacation in Costa Rica. Best trip ever. I loved everything Costa Rica — the people, the weather, the beaches, the jungle, and of course the vegan food! Costa Rica reminded me how delicious, fresh, simple food can taste. So this recipe for coconut rice, black beans, and fried plantains goes back to the basics.

Coconut Rice

First up is the coconut rice. Just a few ingredients, and you’re ready to begin!

Saute the onions….

Onions for Coconut Rice

Then add the coconut milk and white rice to the saucepan.

Cooking Coconut Rice

After about 20 minutes, you will have tender and soft rice with a creamy, coconut flavor.

Black Beans

Next, it’s time for the black beans. I love how many good veggies go into this dish!

Start by sauteing the veggies,

Vegetables in Black Beans

And after a few minutes, you’ll have a beautiful rainbow of color in your saucepan.

After you’ve strained the soaked black beans, add them to the vegetable broth and veggie mixture. Don’t forget to add a piece of kombu! Kombu is a sea vegetable that should be added to the pot whenever beans are being prepared, because it helps make the beans more digestible. It is sold dehydrated in most health food stores. Or you can, of course, buy it online.

To learn more about kombu, check out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kombu

Adding Black Beans

Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer until the liquid is absorbed by the beans. These beans will be savory, full of flavor, and completely unlike the bland, lifeless beans often served in restaurants.

Simmering Black Beans

Fried Plantains

If you’ve never had a plantain before, you are missing out. They look like bananas but have a starchier texture. How can you tell when a plantain is ripe? They’re softer with black spots.

For more information on plantains, check out:

http://latinfood.about.com/od/latincaribbeancuisine101/a/about_plantains.htm

Peel open the plantain like a banana and begin to cut it into thin slices. Place the plantain pieces into greased frying pan and in a few minutes you’ll have some truly delicious treats.

The coconut rice, black beans, and fried plantains make for a delicious lunch or dinner. I love making this dish on a Sunday, so I have leftovers for the rest of the week!

Fried Plantains with Coconut Rice and Black Beans



