Authentic Jamaican RICE & PEAS, fresh coconut milk

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: almond milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

red kidney beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Black beans are lower in calories, while pinto beans are often cheaper.

Wash 1 cup of blue red kidney beans.

Add 2 cups of water to the washed beans along with 3 to 4 cloves of chopped garlic and some oil.

Prepare the coconut milk by cutting 1 large coconut into small pieces.

Blend the coconut pieces with 2 to 4 cups of water until smooth.

Strain and squeeze out the rich fresh coconut milk into a container.

Add the coconut milk to the pot with the beans and stir.

Cover the pot and pay attention as the coconut milk may foam and spill over; reduce the heat if necessary.

After boiling, stir the mixture and cover, cooking on low heat for about 1 hour.

After 1 hour, check for oil produced from the coconut milk and ensure the beans are fully cooked.

Add 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper, fresh scallion, thyme, pimento peppers, salt, mixed seasoning, and sugar to the pot.

Stir the ingredients and cover, cooking for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Wash the rice under running water to remove debris and excess starch.

Add the washed rice to the pot and mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.

Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and steam for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

After 20 minutes, check the rice; if it is not fully cooked, cover with aluminum foil and steam some more.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary