Quick Jamaican Rice and Peas

Bring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to your table with this Quick Jamaican Rice and Peas recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot dish marries fragrant long-grain white rice with creamy coconut milk, savory garlic, and aromatic thyme. Canned red kidney beans streamline prep time without sacrificing authenticity, while a touch of ground allspice and the optional Scotch bonnet pepper add layers of spice and heat. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy rice and peas recipe is a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with jerk chicken, grilled fish, or hearty stews. Whether you're craving the essence of Jamaican cuisine or need a reliable crowd-pleaser, this quick yet authentic version is sure to transport you straight to the tropics.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 15 oz (1 can, drained and rinsed) canned red kidney beans
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 1.5 cups water
• 2 stalks (chopped) scallions
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic
• 1 teaspoon (or 3-4 sprigs) fresh thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon (ground) allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (whole, optional for added heat) scotch bonnet pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water, salt, black pepper, garlic, ground allspice, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 2

Stir in the rinsed kidney beans and chopped scallions. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 3

Add the rice, stirring gently to distribute it evenly in the liquid. Ensure the liquid covers the rice fully; add a splash of water if needed.

Step 4

Carefully place the whole Scotch bonnet pepper on top of the rice mixture without breaking it (optional for heat).

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan tightly with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper without breaking it. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot as a side dish or with your favorite Jamaican entrée.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1092.3 grams (1092.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	578

Total Fat 5.60g	7%
Saturated Fat 4.40g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2778mg	121%
Total Carbohydrate 113.80g	41%
Dietary Fiber 9.20g	33%
Total Sugars 3.30g
Protein 16.50g	33%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 599mg	46%
Iron 8mg	43%
Potassium 698mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 8.8%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 79.6%