Puerto Rican Red Beans and Rice

I love some good red beans and rice. I'm not too fond of Louisiana-style red beans, but give me some good Latin red beans: I'm set.

Ingredients:
1 pound large dried red kidney beans
kosher salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 pound pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
4 cups cooked white rice

Place beans in a large bowl and add 2 tablespoons salt. Cover with cold water by 6 inches and allow to sit at room temperature overnight. If using a pressure cooker, this step can be skipped.
The next day, drain beans and set aside. Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or pressure cooker over high heat until shimmering. Add pork belly and cook, stirring occasionally, until well-browned and crisped on all sides, about 10 minutes total. Add tomatoes and onions and cook, stirring frequently until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add beans, sugar, and 1 tablespoon salt. Cover with water by 2 to 3 inches and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally and adding water as necessary, until beans are completely softened and liquid is thickened but still soupy, about 3 hours. (If using a pressure cooker, cook on high pressure until beans are tender, about 45 minutes).

Season beans to taste with more salt and sugar and serve with cooked rice, avocado, plantains, fried eggs or steak.

Arroz con Coco

A sweet Latin side dish that is kid approved in most cases.

Ingredients:
1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut milk
2 cups uncooked long or medium grain rice
2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup sugar (or brown sugar)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 cup raisins
3 cups water

Heat coconut milk in a 2 quart heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat until simmering. Reduce to medium low and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until reduced to a couple of tablespoons (see note above). Continue to cook, stirring and scraping constantly until coconut oil breaks out and coconut solids cook down to a deep, dark brown, about 20-35 minutes total.

Add rice, sugar (more or less to taste), and salt. Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring constantly until rice grains begin to turn translucent and golden, about 2 minutes. Add raisins (if using) and stir to combine.

Add water and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over high heat, reduce to lowest possible setting, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest 15 minutes longer. Fluff with a fork, and serve.