How to Make Jamaican Rice And Peas?

Picture yourself lounging by a crystal-clear Caribbean beach, the whisper of palm leaves echoing in the background while savouring an iconic Jamaican dish: Rice and Peas. 

With its origins tracing back to Ghana, this Jamaican staple, served traditionally on Sundays and holidays, has become synonymous with the island’s vibrant culture and cuisine.

Jamaican Rice and Peas, despite the name, is a scrumptious combination of rice and kidney beans (or ‘peas’ in local dialect) simmered in a medley of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and fragrant thyme. 

This heartwarming dish not only satiates your hunger but also transports you to the heart of Jamaica with each bite. 

So, let’s journey to the island paradise and delve into this delectable recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried red kidney beans (You may use canned, but the dried version brings out a more authentic flavour)
• 2 cups of long-grain white rice
• 1 can (400ml) of coconut milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (Use sparingly, this pepper is hot!)
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of allspice
• 4 cups of water
• 2 green onions (also known as spring onions or scallions)

Directions:

1. Soak the Beans: If using dried kidney beans, soak them overnight in water. This reduces the cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest.
2. Cook the Beans: Drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Add water, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook until the beans are tender. If you’re using a pressure cooker, this should take around 20 minutes; if you’re using a regular pot, it can take up to an hour.
3. Add the Rice: Once the beans are cooked, add the rice, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and allspice. Stir the mixture well.
4. Simmer the Mixture: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer. Cook until the rice absorbs all the liquid and becomes tender, which should take about 20 minutes. Be careful not to stir the rice too often, as it can become sticky.
5. Add the Green Onions: Add the chopped green onions once the rice is cooked. Stir them into the rice for an added crunch and vibrant flavour.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Finally, serve your delicious Jamaican Rice and Peas hot, ideally paired with a protein you choose, such as jerk chicken or fish, or simply savour it.

And there you have it, an authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas recipe that brings a burst of the Caribbean to your table. Happy cooking, and enjoy the taste of Jamaica!

Jamaican Rice And Peas With Canned Beans

Follow the directions below to make the recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of long-grain rice
• 1 can of red kidney beans
• 4 cups of water
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Combine the canned beans (undrained), water, coconut milk, onion, garlic, thyme, scallions, Scotch bonnet pepper, and salt in a large pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed about 20 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
6. Jamaican Rice and Peas without Coconut Milk

Jamaican Rice And Peas Without Coconut Milk

Follow the directions below to make the recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of long-grain rice
• 1 can of red kidney beans
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Combine the canned beans (undrained), vegetable broth, onion, garlic, thyme, scallions, Scotch bonnet pepper, and salt in a large pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed about 20 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
6. Jamaican Rice and Peas Instant Pot

Jamaican Rice And Peas Instant Pot

Follow the directions below to make the recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of long-grain rice
• 1 can of red kidney beans
• 3 cups of water
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, scallions, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the beans, rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Stir until well combined.
4. Close the lid, seal the vent, and set the Instant Pot to manual mode for 5 minutes at high pressure.
5. After the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
6. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
7. Jamaican-style Rice and Peas

Jamaican-style rice and peas 

Follow the directions below to make the recipe. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of long-grain rice
• 1 can of gungo peas (pigeon peas)
• 4 cups of water
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Combine the gungo peas (undrained), water, coconut milk, onion, garlic, thyme, scallions, Scotch bonnet pepper, and salt in a large pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
4. Stir in the rice, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed about 20 minutes.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Each recipe will provide you with a unique taste of Jamaican cuisine. Enjoy your cooking!

Takeaway 

In conclusion, How to make Jamaican rice and peas is as simple as you like. Additionally, the blog post covered the various aspects of Jamaican rice and peas. 

With the help of the directions shared in this blog post, you can easily prepare this awesome recipe. 

If you found this blog post helpful, share your thoughts with us. 

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