Belizean Rice and Beans

Ingredients

 * 1 lb beans 450g
 * 1/2 tsp [[pepper] 2ml
 * 1/2 tsp thyme 2ml
 * 1 tsp salt 5ml
 * 2 plugs garlic (crushed)
 * 1 medium onion (sliced)
 * 1 dried coconut (grated)(to give 1 cup milk)
 * 2 lbs rice 900g
 * 1 small Pig's Tail or salted beef (optional, trim fat)
 * 6-8 cups water

Directions

 * 1) Soak beans for 4-6 hours.
 * 2) Boil beans until tender with garlic, onion, and pig's tail. (Or use pressure cooker)
 * 3) Season beans with black pepper, thyme, and salt.
 * 4) Add coconut milk. Stir and taste. Let boil.
 * 5) Clean rice.
 * 6) Add clean rice to seasoned beans. Stir, then cover. Cook until water is absorb or rice is tender. If necessary, add more water gradually until rice is tender.