Rice & Peas

— Classic, Creamy, and Caribbean-Style

Rice & Peas is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Caribbean cuisine. Creamy, fragrant, and deeply flavorful, this dish is traditionally cooked with coconut milk, red kidney beans, fresh herbs, and whole Scotch bonnet pepper for authentic island taste.

The beans are simmered until tender and infused with aromatics like garlic, ginger, thyme, scallions, and pimento berries. Coconut milk and coconut cream add richness, while the rice absorbs all the seasoned liquid as it steams to fluffy perfection.

Perfectly paired with jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, or fried fish, Rice & Peas is a must-have centerpiece for any Caribbean meal.

Recipe Details:

• Servings: 4–6

• Prep Time: 10 mins

• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Rice & Beans:

• 4 cups rice (basmati recommended)

• 2 cups dried red kidney beans or 2 cans beans

• 8 cups water

Coconut Base & Seasoning:

• ½ can coconut milk

• ½ block pure cream coconut

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon green seasoning

• 2 garlic cloves, diced

• ½ teaspoon grated ginger

• 4 stalks scallion, chopped

• 4 sprigs thyme

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper

• 6 pimento (allspice) berries, crushed

Instructions:

Cook the Beans:

• Add dried kidney beans to a large pot with water, garlic, pimento berries, and ginger.

• Boil until beans are tender, about 1½–2 hours.

• A pressure cooker may be used to reduce cooking time.

• If using canned beans, rinse and proceed to seasoning step.

Season the Pot:

• Once beans are tender, add coconut milk, coconut cream, butter, salt, scallion, thyme, onion, green seasoning, and the whole Scotch bonnet pepper.

• Stir gently and allow to simmer for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor.

Add the Rice:

• Wash the rice thoroughly and add it to the pot.

• Stir and cook uncovered over medium heat until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Finish Cooking:

• Reduce heat to low once the liquid is nearly gone.

• Cover tightly with a lid or foil.

• Steam on low heat for 15–20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.

Serve:

• Fluff rice with a fork.

• Serve hot alongside jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, or fried fish.

💡 Chef’s Note:

For the most authentic flavor, Rice & Peas is traditionally cooked using freshly blended dried coconut. You may substitute any type of beans or rice, but always follow the package instructions for rice-to-liquid ratios when making adjustments.

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy!
— Raina 🌿🍛🔥