Rice and Peas is a staple in Caribbean cuisine, especially in Jamaica. This comforting dish is rich, aromatic, and infused with coconut milk, herbs, and spices — making it the perfect companion to jerk chicken, curry goat, or fried fish.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a festive meal, Rice and Peas brings warmth, flavor, and authenticity to your table.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 6
🛒 Ingredients
- ¾ cup dried kidney beans
- 1 can coconut milk
- 3 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 2 stalks scallion (chopped)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole)
- Small piece of ginger (crushed)
- ½ tsp pimento (allspice) berries
- 1 tsp Tropical Spices All-Purpose Seasoning
- 2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 3 cups water
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Beans
Rinse the dried kidney beans thoroughly and soak them in plenty of water. For best results, soak overnight. If short on time, soak for a few hours — though overnight soaking yields softer beans and better texture.
Step 2: Cook the Beans
Transfer the soaked beans (with soaking water) into a large pot. Add crushed garlic and 1 additional cup of water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40–50 minutes, or until beans are tender.
Tip: Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time to 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Once the beans are cooked, add:
- Coconut milk
- Thyme
- Scallion
- Scotch bonnet pepper (whole)
- Ginger
- Pimento berries
- Tropical Spices All-Purpose Seasoning
- Salt
Stir gently and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Wash the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch. Add it to the pot and stir gently.
Ensure the liquid sits about 1 inch above the rice. Add a little water if necessary.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Lower the heat further and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop.
Step 6: Finish & Fluff
Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper (optional), then fluff the rice with a fork.
The final dish should be light, fluffy, and infused with rich coconut flavor.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Rice and Peas pairs perfectly with:
- Jerk chicken 🍗
- Curry goat 🥘
- Fried or escovitch fish 🐟
It can also be enjoyed on its own or served with sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for a wholesome vegetarian option.
💡 Pro Tips
- Use canned beans for convenience, but dried beans provide more authentic flavor
- Add extra pimento (allspice) for deeper Caribbean aroma
- Let the rice rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor
- Keep the Scotch bonnet whole to control heat without overpowering the dish 🌶️
🌿 Final Note
Rice and Peas is more than just a side dish — it’s a symbol of Caribbean comfort and tradition. With the right blend of spices and coconut richness, it transforms any meal into an island experience.
