Rice and Peas
A classic Jamaican dish, Rice and Peas combines coconut milk, kidney beans, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful side that pairs beautifully with meats or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option.
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Level
Easy
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
In a medium pot, combine the drained kidney beans, coconut milk, and water. Stir to mix well.
- 2
Add the long-grain white rice to the pot along with the chopped green onions, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
- 4
Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- 5
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to fluff up.
- 6
After resting, gently fluff the rice with a fork and season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Tips
Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch.
Make sure to rinse the kidney beans to remove excess sodium from the can.
For a bit of heat, consider adding a diced Scotch bonnet pepper to the pot while cooking.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Substitutions
- Replace kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans if desired.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
What to Serve With
- Jerk chicken
- Grilled fish
- Vegetable stir-fry
Common Mistakes
- Not rinsing the kidney beans can result in a salty dish.
- Cooking the rice on too high heat may cause it to burn before cooking through.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more water.
What can I serve with Rice and Peas?
This dish pairs well with jerk chicken, grilled fish, or can be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian meal.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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