Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

This is an easy version of a traditional Jamaican dish that is often simply referred to as "rice and peas" (though the "peas" are actually small red beans). I first learned to make this the authentic way from a Jamaican friend - cooking the beans from scratch and cracking open and grating a whole coconut. Coconut milk and canned beans are good shortcuts! This dish is traditionally served with sautéed plantains, a starchy, banana-like fruit. Try them if you're feeling adventurous. You can also serve with Banana Fritters, another adaptation of a traditional Jamaican recipe. Photos by Evan Atlas.

Recipe

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

5 from 2 votes

This is a version of a traditional Jamaican favorite, there simply called “rice and peas” (though the “peas” are actually small red beans). I

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 to 8

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 ½ cups uncooked brown rice see note
• One 15-ounce can light coconut milk
• 3 ½ to 4 cups cooked small red beans or two 15- to 16-ounce cans, drained and rinsed
• 4 to 5 scallions thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 ½ teaspoons fresh leaves
• Generous pinch of curry powder
• Pinch of allspice optional
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Heat the oil in a small soup pot or steep-sided stir-fry pan. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until the onion is golden.
• Add the rice, coconut milk, and 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. The mixture should be moist but not liquidy.
• Stir in the beans, scallions, thyme, curry, and optional nutmeg. Cook for 5 minutes longer.
• Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 9gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 269mgPotassium: 451mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 83IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

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Nutrition information
Per serving: Calories: 212;  Total fat: 6g;  Protein: 6 g;  Fiber: 5.3 g;  Carbs: 34g; Sodium: 22 mg

• Here are more Classic Rice Dishes.
• Here are more Easy, Tasty Bean Main Dishes.