🇬🇾Guyanese New Years Cook-Up Rice with Flavors

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: water + coconut extract

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned chicken

Tofu offers a vegetarian option, while canned chicken is often less expensive.

pork

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken

Turkey is leaner, and chicken is generally more affordable.

scotch bonnet pepper

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: serrano pepper

Jalapeños provide heat with lower intensity, while serrano is more accessible.

Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté chopped onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Add diced chicken and pork, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in chopped carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Add rinsed rice to the pot and mix well with the meat and vegetables.

Pour in coconut milk and enough water to cover the rice by about an inch.

Add beans, thyme, bay leaves, and scotch bonnet pepper to the pot.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.

Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Garnish with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: