Black Beans and Coconut-Lime Rice

I wanted something lite, delicious, and with a tropical flair for the last meal of the year. With the first forkful, I was in love with this recipe. The flavors were wonderful! I really encourage you to give this one a try.

Ingredients:
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1-1/4 cups uncooked basmati rice
1 small onion, chopped
1 pablano pepper, divided
2 (15-ounce)cans black beans, drained and rinsed
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 lime
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 chopped fresh cilantro

Toppings: lime wedges, diced mango, sliced radishes, sliced fresh jalapeno peppers, sour cream

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake coconut in a single layer on a baking sheet 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted.

2. Bring broth, next 2 ingredients, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1 cup water to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.

3. Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat; add onion and poblano pepper, and saute 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in black beans, chili powder, cumin, and 3/4 cup water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes.

4. Grate zest from lime, avoiding pale bitter pith, into a bowl; squeeze juice from lime into bowl.

5. Fluff rice with a fork. Fold lime zest and juice, coconut, green onions, and cilantro into hot cooked rice. Serve bean mixture over rice with desired toppings.

6. Makes 6 servings.

Adapted from Southern Living Magazine.