Jamaican Barefoot Rice and Peas Recipe | Authentic Pigtail Rice and Peas

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

kidney beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Black beans offer similar texture and flavor.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

Cut pigtail into small pieces.

Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

Put the washed rice in a pot and pour boiling water over it; let it boil for 10-15 minutes.

Pour off the boiling water and rinse the rice again with fresh water; set aside.

Soak red kidney beans overnight with garlic and room temperature water; this step is optional.

Boil the pigtail in a pot with water until cooked; pour off the water after boiling.

Add the soaked kidney beans to the pot with the pigtail.

Add coconut milk to the pot and mix well; allow to boil.

Add thyme and scallion to the pot; tie the scallion with butcher twine for easy removal later if desired.

Pierce the scotch bonnet pepper and add it to the pot; do not cut it to maintain heat control.

Taste the pigtail for saltiness; adjust seasoning as necessary.

Add brown sugar and butter to the pot; mix well.

Cover the pot and let it simmer to allow the flavors to meld.

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and mix everything together.

Cover the pot and let it steam until the rice is cooked, checking occasionally.

After steaming, remove the scallion and scotch bonnet pepper from the pot.

Let the rice sit for an additional 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary