Belize Rice and Beans 101: How to Make this Taste of Tradition

Belize rice and beans are delicious meals locals enjoy on Sundays. The national traditional meal is cooked in coconut milk and served with chicken or pork sauce and fried plantain. It’s a versatile dish you can cook with vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. 

Background and Origin

For centuries, rice and beans have been a staple of Belizean cuisine. There is evidence that it originated in Mayan civilization. To sustain energy throughout the day, the ancient Mayans relied on rice and beans as a complete protein source.

It is also believed during the slave trade, beans and rice were introduced to the Americas from Africa, where they remain an integral, diversified part of Latino cuisine today. Waakye, a popular rice and beans dish from northern Ghana, and Jamaican rice and peas are examples of similar dishes.

Let’s get started on how to prepare Belize rice and stew.

How to Cook Belize Rice and Beans in 5 Steps

Key Ingredients

• 2 tbsp coconut oil: an excellent source of moisture for your skin, coconut oil prevents excess loss of water from the skin. It also improves hair health.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped: they’re low in calories and rich in vitamins C, A, and fiber.
• 1 onion, chopped: has a rich source of dietary fiber and reduces the risk of cancer.
• 2 cups long-grain white rice, washed: is low in fat, calories, and essential minerals.
• 2 cups red kidney beans, cooked: Kidney beans are a good source of potassium, magnesium, soluble fiber and protein. These nutrients help reduce hypertension and maintain normal blood pressure. As a result of the potassium and magnesium, blood flows smoothly through the arteries and vessels.
• 400 ml coconut milk: packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6. It contains minerals like iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, which improve overall health. 
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pour the coconut oil into the cooking pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Stir and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. 
2. Add the rice to the pot and stir. Measure 2 cups of the cooked red kidney beans and add them to the pot. It’s always ideal to cook the beans a day before or hours before since it takes longer to cook. 
3. Add the coconut milk and one cup of water to the pot. Sprinkle in the salt. Give the Belize rice and beans a good stir, cover the pot, and allow it to cook for 25-30 minutes on low heat.
4. Use a fork to check the content of water after 30 minutes. If there’s still water, allow the rice to heat dry for another 5 minutes. Otherwise, put off the heat and let it sit on the stove for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Serve with a stewed chicken sauce and fried plantain. 

Tips for Cooking Belize Rice and Beans

• Don’t uncover the pot while the Belize rice and beans are on fire to stir it. Just leave it on low heat to cook.
• You can serve Belize rice and beans with potato salad.
• Don’t add too much water to the rice and beans to avoid a wet meal. 
• Serve with any sauce of your choice.

Conclusion

Coconut milk in Belize rice and beans gives it a sweet and inviting taste. It’s a healthy meal you should prepare if you haven’t yet. We hope this guide will give the perfect result. Happy Cooking!