Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Rinse Basmati Rice

   Pour 1 cup (200g) of basmati rice into a bowl. Thoroughly rinse the rice under running water until the water runs clear. Then, set the rinsed rice aside in a strainer to drain off excess water.

2. 2.Prepare Vegetables for Puree

   Cut a red bell pepper in half, remove the stem and seeds, and slice it into chunks. Place three ripe tomatoes on a cutting board and cut them in half. Slice ginger into small pieces and peel 5 to 6 garlic cloves.

3. 3.Blend Vegetable Puree

   Add the garlic cloves, ginger, red bell pepper chunks, and ripe tomato halves to a blender. Blend the vegetables into a smooth puree.

4. 4.Dice Onions and Rinse Black Beans

   Dice an onion. Rinse 2 cups (1 can) of cooked black beans in a strainer and set them aside in a bowl.

5. 5.Sauté Onions and Spices

   Turn on the stove to medium heat. Add 3 Tbsp olive oil to a wide pan. Add 275g (2 cups) diced onions to the pan and 1/4 Tsp salt. Fry the onions on medium heat until they are browned. Add 1 Tsp dried thyme, 2 Tsp paprika, 2 Tsp ground coriander, 1 Tsp ground cumin, 1 Tsp all spice, and 1/4 Tsp cayenne pepper to the browned onions. Fry the spices for a few seconds, stirring constantly.

6. 6.Combine Puree and Beans

   Pour the vegetable puree into the pan with the onions and spices. Add 1/4 cup (60ml) water to the blender to rinse out any remaining puree, then pour this water into the pan. Stir the vegetable puree mixture in the pan. Add the cooked black beans to the pan and season with salt to taste. Stir the black beans into the puree.

7. 7.Cook the Sauce

   Cover the pan. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil. Stir the mixture to prevent sticking. Cover the pan again and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook on medium-low heat for about 8 minutes.

8. 8.Add Rice and Coconut Milk

   Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan. Pour in 1 cup (250ml) coconut milk. Stir the rice and coconut milk into the mixture. Increase the heat and bring to a boil, stirring in between to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

9. 9.Simmer and Finish

   Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked. While the rice is cooking, chop fresh cilantro. Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid, add black pepper to taste, and sprinkle 1/2 cup (25g) chopped cilantro over the rice. Stir the cilantro and black pepper into the rice. Cover the pan and allow it to rest for 4 to 5 minutes before serving.