Sensational Sides: Rice and Beans - Haitian Style

Ingredients

1/4 yellow onion, rough chopped
2 cloves of garlic, rough chopped
4 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
1 can of red beans (dark or light), rinsed and drained
2-1/2 cans of water
1/2 can of coconut milk
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 packs Sazon
2 good squirts of ketchup
3 cups of yellow rice

Directions

In a food processor, pulse together the onion and garlic until it becomes a puree, and set aside.  In a stock pot, heat 2 tablespoon of olive oil. Pour the puree into the pot and sautee until the onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.  Add the beans and continue to saute for an additional minute.

Add the water and coconut milk. Then add and stir in all of the remaining ingredients except the rice. Allow the liquid to come to a boil, then taste.  Make sure the liquid is flavorful because whatever flavor your liquid has will be absorbed into the rice.  Adjust seasoning as necessary.  When the liquid is seasoned to your liking, then add the yellow rice and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Cook rice uncovered on med-high until the liquid is mostly evaporated and absorbed. Then lower the heat to med-low.  Stir the rice only once because the rice closest to the heat is cooking quicker than the top.  Cover the pot, and continue to cook until the rice is tender.