Jamaican rice and peas is a delicious and iconic dish deeply rooted in Jamaica’s culinary traditions. It is a staple of Jamaican cuisine and is often enjoyed as a side dish or even a main dish. Despite its name, Jamaican Rice and Peas are not made with actual green peas but with kidney beans, known locally as “peas” in Jamaica.
It is made with rice, coconut milk, aromatic spices and tender red beans. Jamaican rice and peas is a flavorful and hearty meal, and the use of coconut milk in this dish gives it a rich, creamy texture and unique taste.
Jamaican rice and peas is often served with other traditional Jamaican dishes, such as jerk chicken, curry goat, or fried fish. It is also perfect for festive occasions and celebrations, including public holidays like Christmas and Jamaican Independence Day.
Preparation and cooking time
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total duration: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
½ cup long-grain white rice
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
½ can of light coconut milk
¼ teaspoon of salt
½ can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 clove of garlic, chopped
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ cup water
Directions
Step 1
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine coconut milk, water, black pepper, salt, ground allspice, garlic cloves and fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil.
2nd step
Add the rice, stir and reduce the heat to low. Cook covered for at least 20 minutes or until all the liquid is well absorbed.
Step 3
Remove the pan from the heat, remove the garlic and thyme sprigs and discard them. Then carefully add the red beans and stir.
Step 4
Cover and let sit for about 4 to 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
1. I recommend using long grain rice for this recipe. However, if you are using another type of rice, you will need to adjust the recipe based on the time and amount of liquid needed to cook the rice. This recipe is not suitable for risotto rice, brown rice or fake rice.
2. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and in the freezer for 3 months.
Nutritional information
(Per serving)
Calories: 359 | Grease: 4g | Saturated fat: 5g | Protein: 11g | Carbohydrates: 63 g | Fibers: 10g | Sodium: 321 mg | Cholesterol: 5mg
Nutritional information is for guidance only.
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