Skip to content
Forkin
Side Dish

Caribbean Rice and Peas

This traditional Caribbean side dish features fluffy rice cooked with kidney beans, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. It's a flavorful and comforting accompaniment to many main courses, offering a creamy texture and savory taste.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
533 kcal
Download the app
Caribbean Rice and Peas

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 1.5 cuplong grain white rice, rinsed
  • 1 cancanned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 canfull-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cupwater
  • 0.5 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 clovegarlic, minced
  • 0.5 pcsscotch bonnet pepper, whole, pierced
  • 1 tspfresh ginger, grated
  • 2 gfresh thyme
  • 0.75 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper

Equipment

fork · measuring cups · large pot · measuring spoons

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Rinse the long grain white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.

  2. 2

    In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the coconut milk and water.

    About 1 min

  3. 3

    Add the drained and rinsed canned kidney beans, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, whole scotch bonnet pepper, grated fresh ginger, and fresh thyme sprig to the pot.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Be careful when handling the scotch bonnet pepper; avoid touching your eyes.

  4. 4

    Season with salt and black pepper.

  5. 5

    Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

    About 5 min

  6. 6

    Once boiling, stir in the rinsed long grain white rice.

  7. 7

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

    About 25 min

    Cook’s note: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the steam and ensure even cooking.

  8. 8

    Carefully remove the scotch bonnet pepper and fresh thyme sprig from the pot.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: The pepper provides flavor without overwhelming heat if removed before serving.

  9. 9

    Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

    About 1 min

  10. 10

    Cover the pot again and let the rice rest for 5 minutes off the heat.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: This resting period allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining moisture and become even fluffier.

  11. 11

    Serve hot as a side dish.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
532.8kcal
Protein
12.5g
Carbs
73.1g
Fat
21.9g
Fibre
5.2g
Sugar
3.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover rice and peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or coconut milk to prevent drying.

More recipes

All recipes
  • Machacado con Huevobreakfast

    Machacado con Huevo

    Machacado con Huevo is a traditional northern Mexican breakfast dish featuring dried, shredded beef rehydrated and cooked with scrambled eggs. It's a flavorful and hearty meal, often served with tortillas and a side of salsa.

    25 min 439 kcal
  • Gallo Pintobreakfast

    Gallo Pinto

    A traditional Costa Rican and Nicaraguan dish, Gallo Pinto is made from rice and black beans, often served for breakfast. This vegan version is savory and satisfying, perfect to start your day.

    40 min 436 kcal
  • Yam Naem Khao Tod (Crispy Rice Salad)main course

    Yam Naem Khao Tod (Crispy Rice Salad)

    This vibrant Thai salad features crispy, fried red curry-seasoned rice, crumbled fermented pork sausage, and a medley of fresh herbs. It's tossed in a bright, spicy lime dressing, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. A perfect dish for those who enjoy bold and aromatic Thai cuisine.

    55 min
  • Patatje Oorlog (Dutch 'War Fries')snack

    Patatje Oorlog (Dutch 'War Fries')

    This popular Dutch snack combines crispy french fries with a savory and tangy trio of sauces: creamy mayonnaise, rich peanut sauce, and finely diced raw onion. It's a delightful explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.

    30 min 969 kcal
  • Pamonhasnack

    Pamonha

    Pamonha is a traditional Brazilian snack made from fresh corn, milk, and sugar, often wrapped and cooked in corn husks. It has a sweet, creamy texture and is a popular treat throughout Brazil. This recipe offers a vegetarian version of the classic comfort food.

    1 hr 10 min 430 kcal
  • Hildy's Roasted Peppersappetizer

    Hildy's Roasted Peppers

    Sweet green peppers and a ripe tomato are roasted until tender and smoky, then peeled and sliced. A simple dressing of olive oil, garlic, and salt enhances the vegetables' natural flavor, creating a versatile dish perfect for an appetizer or side.

    1 hr 30 min 147 kcal