Coconut Rice with Red Beans and Scallions
This flavorful, colorful side was inspired by resanbinsi, a rice and red bean dish from the Caribbean coast of Honduras and Nicaragua. We approximate the delicate sweetness and subtle richness of fresh coconut milk with a combination of coconut oil and coconut water; unrefined coconut oil lends the fullest flavor, but regular refined oil works, too. This is an excellent accompaniment to grilled seafood, chicken or pork, or turn it into dinner by topping the rice with fried eggs and offering lime wedges and hot sauce alongside.
Servings
6servings
Cook Time
50 minutes pressure cooking time
Servings
6servings
Cook Time
50 minutes pressure cooking time
Ingredients
  • 3tbsp coconut oilmelted, preferably unrefined
  • 1 1/2cups long grain white ricerinsed and drained
  • 1 bunch scallionsthinly sliced
  • 4 medium garlic clovesfinely chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepperstemmed, seeded and chopped
  • 2tbsp minced fresh cilantro stems
  • 1/2cup chopped fresh cilantro leavesrese
  • 2 1/2cups coconut water
  • 1tsp ground cumin
  • 1tsp white sugar
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 15 1/2-oz can small red beans or kidney beansrinsed and drained
Instructions
  1. START: In a 6-quart Instant Pot, stir together the oil, rice, scallions, garlic, bell pepper and cilantro stems. Add the coconut water, cumin, sugar, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine, then distribute the mixture in an even layer.
  2. Fast: Lock the lid in place and move the pressure valve to Sealing. Select Pressure Cook or Manual; adjust the pressure level to Low. Set the cooking time for 10 minutes. When pressure cooking is complete, quick-release the steam by moving the pressure valve to Venting. Press Cancel, then carefully open the pot.
    >br/> –OR–

    Slow: Select More/High Sauté and bring the mixture to a boil. Press Cancel, then lock the lid in place and move the pressure valve to Venting. Select Slow Cook and set the temperature to Less/Low. Set the cooking time for 2 to 2 1/2 hours; the rice is done when the liquid is absorbed and the grains are tender. Press Cancel, then carefully open the pot.
  3. FINISH: Using potholders, carefully remove the insert from the housing. Without fluffing the rice, scatter the beans over the surface, then drape a kitchen towel across the top and re-cover without locking the lid in place. Let stand for 10 minutes. Uncover and add the cilantro leaves, then fluff the rice, stirring in the beans and cilantro. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Recipe Notes

Don’t substitute coconut milk for the coconut water. The richness of coconut milk—even light coconut milk—will result in a heavy, almost gummy texture. When cooking is done, don’t leave the inner pot in the housing. The residual heat had a tendency to overcook the grains; it’s best to remove the insert before allowing the rice to rest.