An easy red beans and rice recipe, the well-know Jamaican rice and peas or rice and beans made with coconut milk.

JAMAICAN RICE AND BEANS

So, why is this dish called rice and peas when it is actually made with beans. I had no idea until recently.

The rice and beans dish is a traditional African dish, very well-known in countries like Ghana and the Ivory Coast. The recipe was brought to Jamaica by slaves and was passed on from generation to generation.

As the slaves were only allowed one day off work during the week, the best foods they had were served on this day. Thus the tradition of serving rice and peas on Sundays was born.

Nowadays, rice and peas is the most eaten Jamaican food. It is served in every household and every restaurant in the country.

And why is it called rice and peas instead of rice and beans? Well, simply because in Jamaica the word beans means peas as well. Their red peas are the kidney beans we all know.

EASY RICE AND PEAS RECIPE

Rice and beans are a popular combination all around the world. Not only are both ingredients cheap and filling, but together they form a complete protein. This makes them a very popular meal among vegetarians and vegans as well.

“Beans and grains have a symbiotic relationship in which the amino acids of each complement one another to form a complete protein, which is the foundation for the growth and development in humans.”

I cooked this Jamaican rice and peas recipe for the first time about 10 years ago, during the time we were still living in England. It was a super simple recipe I found in a magazine, something I could cook very quickly in the evening after work, filling, cheap and delicious.

We usually had this easy rice and beans dish as it was or maybe I would slice some tomatoes and cucumbers to go with it. Sometimes I would make some quick skillet chicken and sometimes fried eggs.

That super easy recipe for Jamaican rice and beans evolved over the years. Originally, I would give the cooked rice to a pot with coconut milk, red kidney beans and some salt and pepper. It was really good!

But slowly, I started to add some veggies, more spices and converted the recipe to what it is today: a rich and flavorful pot of rice and beans that even my children love to eat. Despite all the beans, which they are usually not very friendly with.

HOW TO MAKE THE JAMAICAN RICE AND BEANS RECIPE

As mentioned above making this recipe for Jamaican rice and peas or Jamaican rice and beans is very easy.

Cook the rice in vegetable stock, but only about 5 minutes less than you would actually cook it. Have a look at the packet’s instructions and calculate the cooking time accordingly.
Cook the onion, red bell pepper, chili, ginger and garlic in a little oil. Add the spices and stir for one minute.
I used a regular red chili because that is what I had. If you want to go really Jamaican, try finding a Scotch bonnet chili. Keep in mind though that Scotch bonnet is super hot and adjust the amount you use according to your heat tolerance.

Add the rice to the pan, add the drained red beans and the coconut milk. Heat through for about 5-6 minutes, the rice should have the right consistency by now. If you like it softer, give it a couple more minutes. Don’t forget to stir from time to time.

Add a teaspoon of butter, some salt to taste and a little fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve.
The butter and the lemon juice are not traditional for a true Jamaican rice and peas recipe.
However, I started to add them to this dish a long time ago, the butter adds a bit of mellowness and enhances the taste of any rice dish and the lemon juice adds that hint of freshness I am looking for in almost any rice or grains dish I am cooking.
They are optional, you can decide if you want to use them or not, but I totally recommend using them.

HOW TO SERVE THE JAMAICAN RICE AND PEAS

You can serve this easy rice and beans recipe as it is with sliced vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers or a salad on the side. I make this delicious salad with yogurt dressing many times when serving Jamaican rice and peas.

But it also makes a great side dish for roast chicken, pan fried chicken breast, spicy chicken strips, actually any kind of roasted or pan fried chicken dish you can think of.

We often have this Jamaican rice and beans with fried or poached eggs.