Caribbean bean and rice soup

Ingredients 

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 tsp paprika
• 3 cups tomato juice
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 2 – 2 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 cups vegetable bouillon
• 1 (15-oz) can coconut milk
• ½ cup long-grain rice
• 1 (15-oz) can red kidney beans
• sea salt and black pepper for the croutons
• 3 cups day-old bread cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Preparation

1) Heat the oil in a large saucepan, then add the onion and cook over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until the onion is soft. Add the garlic, celery, carrots, peppers, bay leaves, and 2 teaspoons of paprika, and cook for another 5 minutes.

2) Stir in the tomato juice, tomato paste and thyme leaves, then cook for 5 minutes. Add the bouillon, coconut milk, and rice. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.

3) Add the kidney beans and cook for another 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving garnished with croutons.

4) To make the croutons, toss the cubes of stale bread with the olive oil, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and thyme. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 4–5 minutes until golden brown.

Source : http://www.vegansociety.com