Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight for faster cooking, or use 2 cans drained & rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, keep whole for flavor, remove before serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
Instructions:
Prep:
Kidney Beans:
- Soaked: Drain the beans.
- Canned: Drain and rinse the beans.
Spice Prep:
- If using a whole Scotch bonnet pepper, lightly poke it with a knife to release flavors without it breaking apart.
Cook:
- Sauté: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and scallion. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Spice and Simmer: Add the thyme, allspice, scotch bonnet (if using), coconut milk, water, salt, pepper, and kidney beans (soaked or canned). Bring to a simmer.
Cook the Beans:
- Soaked beans: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beans are tender, about 45-60 minutes. Add more water as needed if the pot gets dry.
- Canned beans: Simmer with the spices for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
Add Rice:
- Stir in the rice. Make sure the liquid covers the rice (add a bit more water if needed).
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
Cover and Cook:
- Immediately reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Rest:
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This helps the rice become fluffy.
Finish:
- Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper (if used).
- Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Tips:
- Bean Choice: You can use other beans like pigeon peas for a more traditional flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust or omit the Scotch bonnet entirely based on your heat preference.
- Creamier Rice: Add a little extra coconut milk for extra richness.
- Make it Your Own: Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or other vegetables during the sautéing stage for extra flavor and nutrition.
Enjoy your delicious and authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas!
