Traditional Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe

Traditional Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe

1 1/2 cups dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained 

1 1/2 cups rice

2 cloves garlic pealed and smashed

1 fresh coconut

3 scallions (green onions)

1 whole unbroken scotch bonnet pepper, prefferably green

12 allspice berries

½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 4 sprigs of fresh thyme)

¼ teaspoon salt (can ommit)

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Puncture one of the “eyes” of the coconut with the end of a sharp pointed knife. Try the “eye” nearest to the end of the coconut. Drain out the coconut water. Break open the coconuts. Taste to ensure the coconut is fresh. Remove the coconut “meat” from the shell with a knife. This is dangerous as you run the risk of cutting yourself. Therefore you should proceed cautiously until you get the hang of it. Cut the coconut “meat” into small pieces and chop up in a blender using the chop setting. Use 

just enough water to chop coconuts in blender. Chop the coconut in batches until the coconut is a fine consistency and the liquid resembles milk. Use a large strainer to separate the coconut from the milk. Hand squeeze any remaining milk from the residue. You can discard the residue or use in the coconut drops and coconut filling for gizzadas recipes. 

Place beans, garlic and all spice berries in a cooking pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the beans are tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. When the beans are tender, stir in the coconut milk, green onions, scotch bonnet pepper, and thyme, black pepper and increase the heat to a boil. Stir in the rice. Don't break the scotch bonnet pepper. You may need to add some water to bring the level to about ¾ of an inch above the level of the rice. Bring to a boil and cover immediately. Do not stir.  Turn the heat down low and cook for 15-20 minutes or or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.  Remove the scallions, scotch bonnet pepper and thyme (if you used sprigs of thyme).

You can find other recipes, including a simple Jamaican rice and peas recipe, here.

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