Charlotte had a “cold wave” in January. Gray skies and below freezing temps for over a week! (That is very unusual for us; a typical January day is sunny and in the 50’s.)

I was not happy. My newly healed bones and bad knee ached from the cold, damp weather. My mood was as gray as the bleak winter sky. The furnace ran constantly, and if I closed my eyes I could envision a line of dollar bills forming a conga line out the front door. Heck, it would probably have been cheaper just to throw all my paper money in the fireplace and light a match.

I needed comfort food. Something warm, creamy, carby, and comforting. I’d been making a number of Thai-style chickpea curries, so I decided to switch it up and use red kidney beans instead.

This comfort food dish is what I came up with. It’s super easy and uses items you likely have in your pantry.

Ingredients for Creamy, Comforting, Coconutty Rice and Red Beans

• Splash Vegetable Oil (I used organic canola oil)
• 1 Large Onion, chopped
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 3 Cloves Minced or Crushed Garlic
• 1 Tablespoon Ginger. minced
• 3 Cups Water
• 1 Can (approx. 16 oz.) Light Coconut Milk
• 2 Cups Basmati Rice (or plain white rice)
• 1 Can (approx. 16 oz.) Red Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 Teaspoons Yellow Curry Powder
• 1/2 – 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• Squeeze of Lime (optional)

Directions for Creamy, Comforting, Coconutty Rice and Red Beans

In a large pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium heat.

Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger and sauté for about 5 minutes.

Add the water (careful not to splatter the hot oil on yourself) and then all remaining ingredients except lime (coconut milk, rice, kidney beans, yellow curry powder, red pepper flakes, and salt).

Stir and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot, reduce heat to low or medium low, and cook 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

Fluff with a fork and serve.

If desired, squeeze a little bit of lime over each serving. Purely optional, but it cuts some of the heaviness of the coconut milk and adds a little lightness and brightness to the dish.