Chop the garlic, onion, pepper, celery, thyme, and parsley. Make slits in the tomato and soak in hot water. Then place under running, remove the skins and dice.
Heat oil then add butter to melt. Saute the onion, garlic and celery. Add the tomatoes.
Add the the coconut milk. Add the sweet pepper and parsley. Then add the rice and water.
Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Add the tomato paste and blend well. Adjust salt and seasonings to taste. Note: You can add the optional crispy bacon at this point. Mix well