An authentic Jamaican side dish, rice, and peas (beans) are naturally vegan and made with creamy coconut milk, thyme, and allspice berries.
When we first started eating at our go-to local Jamaican restaurant, Irie Kitchen, there was one dish that captured the love and affection of my boys immediately: rice and peas. In fact, during my recent visit to Jamaica, they were on almost every menu!
For added flavor and aromatics, the cooking water is seasoned with fresh thyme, onion, garlic, allspice berries, scallions, and Scotch bonnet pepper. If you want to keep the dish mild, skip the Scotch bonnet pepper.
Frequently asked questions:
What is Jamaican rice and peas?
What type of beans do you use?
What Makes Jamaican Rice and Peas so Creamy?
What do you serve with Jamaican rice and peas?
How far in advance can I prepare Jamaican rice and peas?
Is Jamaican rice and peas vegan and gluten-free?
What are your favorite Caribbean recipes? I’d love more ideas!
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Jamaican Rice and Peas?
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Jamaican Rice and Peas
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried kidney beans (light or dark) (soaked overnight and strained)
- 3 cups water
- 1 onion (diced)
- 2 green onions (diced, plus extra to garnish)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 5 whole allspice berries
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- salt and pepper
- 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk (unsweetened, Thai style)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
Instructions
- Add beans to a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil then add in onion, scallions, garlic, allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet (if using), ginger, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce to low and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
- Add rice to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed in, about 20 minutes. Remove pan from the heat but keep the lid on for 10 minutes. Remove the thyme stems, allspice berries and Scotch bonnet then fluff with a fork. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with scallions.
Last Step:
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Nutrition
Looking for more vegetarian recipes? Check out my Pinterest board!
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