Popular's Coconut Rice and Beans
Creamy rice infused with coconut milk and black beans, simmered with aromatic spices for a rich, satisfying Puerto Rican comfort dish. This puerto rican-inspired mexican (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs white rice, (13.5 oz) coconut milk, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 medium diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 2 bay leaves, 1 cup chicken stock, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves. Fluff the rice with a fork, then let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Popular's Coconut Rice and Beans take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Popular's Coconut Rice and Beans?
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 white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Popular's Coconut Rice and Beans?
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 Popular's Coconut Rice and Beans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Popular's Coconut Rice and Beans vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
