West Indian Red Beans & Coconut Rice

FOR THE COCONUT RICE:
While the rice is cooking, in a saucepan on medium heat, sauté the onions in the oil for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes, sprinkle lightly with salt, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the thyme, allspice, tomatoes, and beans, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

FOR THE RED BEANS:
Rinse and drain the rice. In a saucepan on medium-high heat, sauté the rice, turmeric, and salt in the oil for a minute or two, stirring constantly. Add the water and coconut milk, bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve the red beans on a bed of the rice and top with scallions and/or cilantro.