Jamaican Rice and Peas

  • 1 C canned kidney or black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 MED onion (chopped fine)
  • 2 scallions (chopped fine)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ TSP ground allspice
  • ¾ TSP ground thyme
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, stem removed)
  • ½ TSP grated fresh ginger
  • 2 TSP kosher salt
  • ½ TSP black pepper
  • ½ C water
  • 13.5 OZ unsweetened coconut milk
  • 2 C long-grain white rice (short grain can be used, but it will be stickier)
  1. In a large saucepan combine the onion, scallions, garlic, allspice, thyme, Scotch bonnet, ginger, salt, pepper, water and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
  2. Stir in the rice, cover and simmer over low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.
  3. Remove from the heat and let steam for 10 minutes, then discard the Scotch bonnet pepper. Using a fork, fluff the rice and beans and season with salt if needed.

Can be made in a rice cooker: combine all ingredients, stir well and cook. When done, continue with step 3 above.

Yields 8 servings.

NOTES: The Scotch bonnet pepper lends a slightly fruity flavor without the intense heat because the seeds and flesh are not exposed. A habanero pepper is a good substitute. “Peas” is a misnomer as kidney beans are traditional.

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/jamaican-rice-and-peas