Ingredients:

• Long Grain Rice – 2 cups; thoroughly rinsed until water runs clear
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tbs
• Red Onion – 1/2 medium; diced
• Garlic Cloves – 4-5; minced
• Mushroom Caps – 4 small; sliced
• Bell Pepper – 1/2; diced
• Fresh Bay Leaves x 2
• Fresh Thyme – 1 tbs
• Vegetable broth bouillon cube x1
• Coconut Milk – 19oz can
• Water – 3 cups
• Red Kidney Beans – 190z can; drained & thoroughly rinsed
• Creole Seasoning – 4+ tbs
• Salt & Pepper – a few dashes

Instructions:

Heat a large sauté pan or skillet on medium/ low heat. Wait a couple of minutes for the pan to heat up, then add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. After the oil has time to heat, toss in the red onion and minced garlic. Shortly after include the bell pepper, mushrooms, and fresh thyme. Stir it all around and add a dash of salt and black pepper.

Now its time to add the long grain rice that you have washed extremely thoroughly. Even it all out then pour 3 cups of water into the pan. The coconut milk is then added along with the vegetable broth bouillon cube, 4+ tablespoons of creole seasoning (I love this seasoning so I don’t hold back), and the rinsed red kidney beans. Finally, add the 2 fresh bay leaves and bring it to a simmer.

Cover and reduce heat, stiring freuquently to prevent burning, adding water if necessary. It takes about 20-25 minutes for the rice to cook and water to evaporate, at which point you’ll be left with a creamy rice thats not only delicious and nutritious, but also free of animal products. Do not forget to remove the bay leaves prior to serving.

Creole Seasoning Blend: 

• 2 tbs Onion Powder
• 2 tbs Garlic Powder
• 2 tbs Dried Basil
• 2 tbs Dried Oregano
• 1 tbs Dried Thyme
• 1 tbs Black Pepper
• 1 tbs White Pepper
• 1 tbs Cayenne Pepper
• 5 tbs Paprika
• 3 tbs Salt

In a small bowl, combine all of the above ingredients. Store in an air tight container.

You may be able to find this seasoning already made up at your grocery store, likely in the international isle. I did not have such luck, but easily picked up all the herbs and spices at bulk barn.