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Flavorful Caribbean Rice and Beans

Caribbean rice and beans recipe - featured image
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A comforting and easy Caribbean rice and beans recipe featuring aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender kidney beans. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (about 300g), rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (or 1 cup cooked dry beans)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (preferably green)
  • 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper (optional, handled carefully for heat)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup (240ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (light olive or canola oil works well)
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside to drain.
  2. Heat oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic; stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Carefully add the whole scotch bonnet pepper (do not pierce unless more heat is desired). Stir in thyme sprigs and ground allspice. Let aromatics bloom in oil for about 2 minutes.
  4. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat each grain in the oil and spices. Toast the rice briefly for about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir once to combine, then gently add the drained kidney beans.
  6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring mixture to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  8. Turn off heat and let the rice rest covered for another 10 minutes.
  9. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and thyme sprigs. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
  10. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

Do not pierce the scotch bonnet pepper unless you want more heat. Rinsing the rice is essential to keep it fluffy and prevent clumping. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid hot spots and burning. Resting the rice after cooking allows flavors to settle and rice to finish cooking gently. If rice is too dry mid-cook, add a splash of broth. For vegan version, use vegetable broth. Substitute black beans or pigeon peas if desired. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking time (40-45 minutes) and more broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caribbean rice and beans, rice and beans recipe, easy Caribbean meal, kidney beans recipe, coconut milk rice, spicy rice dish, vegan rice and beans, gluten-free rice recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/flavorful-caribbean-rice-and-beans-recipe-easy-perfect-meal-idea/