18 Authentic Jamaican Rice And Peas Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
The traditional Jamaican dish of rice and peas is a staple in Caribbean cuisine and is a must-try for any food lover. This flavorful and hearty dish is often served at special occasions and celebrations, but it can also be enjoyed as a tasty and satisfying weeknight meal. The combination of tender and fragrant rice, creamy and rich coconut milk, and flavorful beans creates a mouthwatering dish that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica. In this article, we will share an authentic Jamaican rice and peas recipe that will have you feeling like a true Caribbean chef in no time. So put on your apron and get ready to cook up a taste of Jamaica in your own kitchen.
Jamaican rice and peas is a classic dish that is a staple in Jamaican cuisine. It is a delicious and flavorful combination of rice, beans, and spices that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, these top 16 beer can chicken recipes will have you covered.
This traditional Jamaican dish is typically made with kidney beans, coconut milk, and spices such as thyme, garlic, and scallions. It is often served alongside jerk chicken or other Caribbean dishes. However, with these beer can chicken recipes, you can add a unique twist to this classic dish by incorporating tender and flavorful chicken.
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Rice Cooker Jamaican Rice And Peas.
Main Ingredients: Rice, Coconut Milk, Scallion, Thyme, Red Beans
If you have a rice cooker, you can easily make this dish without having to constantly monitor it on the stove. Simply add all the ingredients into the rice cooker and let it do the work for you. The result will be perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken with a burst of Jamaican flavors.
This recipe puts a different spin on the traditional dish by using black beans instead of kidney beans. The black beans add a unique flavor and texture to the rice, making it even more delicious. Plus, the beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the rice and beans.
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Simple Jamaican Rice and Peas
Main Ingredients: Kidney Beans, Coconut Milk, Basmati Rice, Onions
If you are short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Jamaican rice and peas, this simple recipe is for you. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
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Vegan Jamaican Rice and Peas
Main Ingredients: White Onion, Garlic, Scallion, Fresh Thyme, Scotch
Vegans can also enjoy the delicious flavors of Jamaican rice and peas by using plant-based milk and omitting the chicken. This recipe is just as flavorful and satisfying as the traditional version, making it a great option for those following a vegan lifestyle.
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Instant Pot Jamaican Rice And Peas
Main Ingredients: Dried Kidney Beans, Water, Small Onion, Green Onions
The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to cooking rice and beans. With this recipe, you can have perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken in a fraction of the time it takes to cook on the stove. Plus, the flavors will be infused throughout the dish, making it even more delicious.
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Jamaican Rice and Peas (Rice Cooker)
Main Ingredients: Kidney Beans, Light Coconut Milk, Long Grain White
If you love using your rice cooker, then you will love this recipe. It combines the convenience of a rice cooker with the delicious flavors of Jamaican rice and peas. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that will have you coming back for more.
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Jamaican Rice and Peas (with Canned Beans)
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Red Kidney Beans
If you don't have time to soak and cook dried beans, you can still make a delicious Jamaican rice and peas dish with canned beans. This recipe is quick, easy, and budget-friendly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
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Jamaican Rice and Peas (Beans and Rice)
Main Ingredients: Dried Kidney Beans, Vegetable Broth, Unsweetened
This recipe combines the flavors of Jamaican rice and peas with the classic beans and rice dish. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion. Plus, the beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor and protein to the dish.
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Slow Cooker Jamaican Rice and Peas Soup
Main Ingredients: Gandules, Chicken Broth, Unsweetened Coconut Milk
If you love soup and Jamaican rice and peas, then this recipe is for you. It combines the flavors of the traditional dish with the convenience of a slow cooker. The result is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for chilly days.
This recipe is a twist on the classic dish by adding coconut rice instead of plain rice. The coconut rice adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the dish, making it even more delicious. Plus, the beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor and protein to the meal.
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Jamaican Rice and Peas (Coconut Rice and Red Beans)
Main Ingredients: Red Kidney Beans, Long Grain White Rice, Coconut Oil
Similar to the previous recipe, this one also incorporates coconut rice. However, it uses red beans instead of kidney beans, giving the dish a unique flavor and color. The beer can chicken adds a smoky and savory element to the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser.
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Jamaican Rice and Peas – Easy Red Beans and Rice
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Vegetable Stock, Rice, Coconut Oil, Medium
If you are a fan of red beans and rice, you will love this recipe. It combines the classic flavors of red beans and rice with the delicious spices of Jamaican cuisine. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week.
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Jamaican Rice and Peas – A Traditional Favorite
Main Ingredients: Red Kidney Beans, Coconut Milk, Rice, Small Onion
This recipe stays true to the traditional Jamaican rice and peas dish. It uses kidney beans, coconut milk, and a blend of spices to create a flavorful and authentic dish. The beer can chicken adds an extra layer of flavor and protein, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken, Peas, White Onions, Garlic, Eggs, Sesame
If you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this recipe is for you. It combines the flavors of Jamaican rice and peas with the convenience of fried rice. The result is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy nights.
The History of Jamaican Rice and Peas
It's no surprise that rice and peas is such a beloved dish in Jamaica, as both ingredients have been a part of the island's history for centuries. Rice was first introduced to Jamaica by the Spanish during the 16th century, and it quickly became a main source of sustenance for the enslaved Africans brought to the island. The addition of peas, particularly red kidney beans, was influenced by the African culinary tradition of cooking rice with beans. Over time, this dish evolved into the classic Jamaican rice and peas, incorporating the use of coconut milk and other spices that were brought to the island by Indian and Chinese immigrants.
A Dish with Many Variations
While there is a traditional way of making Jamaican rice and peas, every family and cook has their own unique take on the dish. Some prefer to use pigeon peas instead of kidney beans, while others may add in additional ingredients like diced carrots or bell peppers. Some cooks may also choose to make their rice and peas with or without meat, using either bacon, smoked pork, or chicken to add extra flavor. However, no matter the variation, the key elements of Jamaican rice and peas remain the same: rice, peas, and coconut milk.
How to Make Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas
To make this mouthwatering dish in its most authentic form, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of long grain rice
- 1 can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic, diced onion, and chopped scallion, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, along with the thyme and scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Next, add in the rice and stir until it is evenly coated with the vegetable mixture. Then, pour in the coconut milk and enough water to cover the rice by about 1 inch. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the rice and peas simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice is still too firm, you can add a bit more water and continue cooking until it reaches the desired texture.
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will allow the rice to absorb any excess liquid and become light and fluffy. Serve your authentic Jamaican rice and peas hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Caribbean in every bite.
