Step 1

Heat butter in a medium saucepan. Add onion and garlic, and sauté 1-2 minutes over medium heat.

Step 2

Add rice, bay, thyme, pepper, water, and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, 10 minutes.

Step 3

Add the beans and continue to cook, covered, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 8-10 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the bay leaf and mix in the salt. Let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.

Step 5

Taste the rice and adjust the salt and pepper as desired.