Irresistible Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe to Savor

Name: Jamaican Rice and Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice; 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk; 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 3 scallions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme); 1/2 tsp allspice powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1.5 cups vegetable broth or water

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

October 28, 2025

Updated:

October 28, 2025

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Imagine a plate of Jamaican rice and peas sitting before you, fragrant with the essence of coconut milk, spices, and tender beans. The vibrant green scallions and bright red pepper flecks dance among the fluffy grains, inviting you to dive in. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that takes you straight to a Caribbean beach, with waves lapping gently at your feet.

I remember the first time I had this dish at my friend’s family get-together. The aroma wafted through the air like a siren’s call, and I couldn’t resist asking for seconds—okay, maybe thirds. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor, making it impossible to forget. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for comfort food on a rainy day, Jamaican rice and peas is the perfect companion for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Jamaican rice and peas recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for gatherings

With bold flavors from coconut milk and spices, it’s a true crowd-pleaser
Visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, it adds flair to any plate

Plus, it’s versatile—perfect as a side or main dish!

I’ll never forget how my family was in awe when I first served this at our Sunday dinner—a delightful mix of surprise and pure joy.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Long-Grain Rice: Use jasmine or basmati for its fluffiness; it absorbs flavors beautifully.
Coconut Milk: Choose full-fat coconut milk for richness; it adds depth to the dish.
Canned Red Kidney Beans: Rinse them well to reduce sodium; they bring protein and texture.

Scallions: Fresh scallions add crunch and mild onion flavor; chop them finely for best results.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives an aromatic touch; feel free to use dried if fresh isn’t available.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance flavor; crushed garlic is key to this recipe.

Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color; chop small so they blend in nicely.
Allspice Powder: A pinch brings warmth; don’t overdo it—too much can overpower other flavors.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors; adjust according to taste.

Water or Broth: Use vegetable broth for more flavor; ensure you have enough liquid for cooking rice.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your countertop. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps achieve fluffy rice.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add chopped scallions, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant—around 3 minutes should do the trick.

Add Rice & Liquids: Stir in rinsed rice along with coconut milk and enough water or broth to cover it by about an inch. This creates that creamy consistency we love.

Add Seasonings: Toss in drained kidney beans, thyme, allspice powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so every grain is coated with flavor.

Cook Until Perfect: Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for about 20 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and is tender.

Fluff & Serve: Once cooked, remove from heat but keep covered for another 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork—this is where the magic happens—and serve hot as a side or main dish with your favorite proteins.

Enjoy your flavorful journey to Jamaica right from your kitchen!

You Must Know

Jamaican rice and peas is a delightful dish combining creamy coconut, tender beans, and aromatic spices

Perfect as a side or a main course, it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes you hungry just thinking about it

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by soaking the beans overnight for tenderness, then cook them with coconut milk and spices for rich flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap red kidney beans for black beans or add some diced bell peppers for extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover rice and peas in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To ensure perfectly cooked Jamaican rice and peas, always rinse your rice thoroughly before cooking
This helps remove excess starch that can make it sticky

Use fresh thyme for a vibrant flavor boost
Also, avoid overcooking the beans; they should be tender but not mushy

I’ll never forget the time I made Jamaican rice and peas for a family gathering. Everyone raved about it, especially Uncle Joe, who went back for seconds—no one even noticed I burned the chicken!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes! Soak dried beans overnight before cooking them with rice for better texture.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but brown rice can add a healthier twist.

How can I make this dish vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan; just ensure all ingredients are plant-based!

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