One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans and Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant one-pot dish combining creamy coconut rice, tender black beans, and aromatic Caribbean thyme for a comforting side or main. This caribbean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 minutes pairs long grain white rice, canned coconut milk, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice to the pot and stir for 2 minutes to toast the grains lightly.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup canned coconut milk and 1 1/2 cups water, then add 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 4 fresh thyme sprigs. Stir once and bring to a boil over high heat.
  4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid, discard the thyme sprigs, and gently fold in 1 can drained and rinsed black beans. Cover again and let sit off heat for 5 minutes to warm through.
  6. Step 6: Fluff the rice and beans with a fork, garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans and Thyme?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain white rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans and Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Caribbean Coconut Rice with Black Beans and Thyme?

Caribbean rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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