This is my healthy adaptation of my family's authentic Panamanian dish.

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup red kidney beans, soaked and rinsed
1 tsp. thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups pure coconut milk (from fresh coconut or can)
1 cup long-grain brown rice, rinsed
2+ cups water
1/2 tsp salt (opt.)

Soak beans ahead of time or overnight. Be sure to rinse well. Heat olive oil in a 4-quart pot. Add onion and garlic. Saute until translucent. Add drained red beans, thyme, bay leak, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil before reducing to medium heat. Simmer until beans are 3/4 cooked (about 1 hour). Then add brown rice and water. Continue simmering on medium until rice and beans are cooked through and water is absorbed. Add salt if desired. Let sit for a few minutes. Serves 4.

This recipe breaks my personal rule of having less than 8 ingredients but every time I make this dish for a potluck, cooking demo, etc. people want the recipe. So here it is for all the world. I have no idea where it originated but it's been a family favorite for at least 20 years. If it turns out to be your secret family recipe, I apologize in advance. By the way, for years I left out the sunflower seeds, raisins and apples. Learn from me: USE THEM. Enjoy!

Serves 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes

1-2 Tbsp. olive oil ½ onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced ¼ tsp. ground ginger ½ tsp. tumeric powder 2-3 tsp. curry powder 1 c. basmati or short brown rice, washed

¾ c. dried lentils, washed & picked 4 c. water 2 vegetable bouillon cubes ½ c. raisins ¼ c. sunflower seeds 1 large tart apple, diced that's it!

 

Heat olive oil in 2-quart pot. Saute onion with ½ the garlic cloves until transparent.
Add ginger, tuneric, and curry and sauté a few minutes longer.
Stir in the rice, and more oil if necessary, and sauté 2 minutes.
Add the lentils, bouillon, remaining garlic, raisins, seeds, and water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add apples and simmer, covered, for another 10-15 minutes or until all water is absorbed.

Serve topped with yogurt or other garnishes. Good accompanied by a green salad, a carrot salad or a sauteed vegetable (broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach).