DIRI KOLE RECIPES

Steps:

• Pulse bell pepper, onion, shallot, celery, scallion, chile, garlic, clove, cilantro, parsley, oil, thyme, vinegar, and lime juice in a food processor or blender until a chunky sauce forms. Transfer epis to a small bowl and set aside. Do Ahead: Epis can be made 4 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container; cover and chill.
• Bring scallions, garlic, beans, salt, and 6 cups water to a boil in a medium pot. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are tender and the skins peel away when you blow on them, 55–65 minutes. Discard scallions and garlic. Drain beans in a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl. Measure out 3 cups bean broth (add water if short). Set beans and broth aside.
• Rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water until water runs clear; drain well and set aside.
• Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Add onion and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is light golden around the edges, 5–7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in thyme, pepper, and 2 Tbsp. reserved epis; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Gently stir in reserved beans, then pour in reserved bean broth and bring to a boil. Stir in chile and reserved rice. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15–20 minutes. Remove pot from heat and let sit, still covered, 10 minutes.
• Uncover pot; remove and discard thyme. Fluff rice with a fork and divide among plates.

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, beans, herbs, and scotch bonnet (if using). Simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
• Stir in the rice, stock or water, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let set covered for another 5-10 minutes. Then stir lightly with a fork and serve.