How To Make Jamaican Style Rice & Peas|Rice and Beans|THE RAINA’S KITCHEN

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make authentic Jamaican-style Rice and Peas, a delicious side dish that pairs well with various meats like chicken, oxtail, or goat. This recipe combines long grain rice, red beans, and flavorful coconut milk, creating a rich and aromatic dish that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 4 cups of rice (2 cups long grain and 2 cups basmati)
• 2 cups of red beans (pre-cooked)
• 4 cups of water
• 1/2 can of coconut milk (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 block of pure cream coconut
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of green seasoning (including garlic, ginger, scallion, thyme, onion)
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper
• Pimento (allspice) berries (about 1 teaspoon)

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash the Rice

   • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and impurities. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too mushy.

2. Chop the Onion

   • Peel and chop half of a large onion or one small onion. You can also blend it if you prefer a finer texture.

3. Prepare Other Seasonings

   • Crush the garlic and grate the ginger. Aim for about 1 teaspoon of grated ginger.
   • Grind the pimento berries or use ground allspice if you don’t have the berries.

4. Combine Ingredients

   • Place all prepared ingredients in a bowl for easy access during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Base

1. Simmer the Beans and Seasonings
   • In a large pot, combine the pre-cooked red beans, coconut milk, cream coconut, butter, salt, sugar, and all the prepared seasonings.
   • Add 4 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Rice

1. Incorporate the Rice

   • After 10 minutes, add the washed rice to the pot, stirring gently to mix.
   • Ensure the scotch bonnet pepper is intact to avoid it bursting in the pot.

2. Cook Until Absorbed

   • Allow the mixture to boil on medium to high heat until most of the water is absorbed. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Steam the Rice

1. Cover and Reduce Heat
   • Once the water has reduced, cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Let the rice steam for another 10-15 minutes.
   • Avoid stirring too much to ensure the rice remains fluffy and the grains stay separate.

Step 6: Check and Serve

1. Final Check
   • After 15 minutes, check the rice. If it’s still too moist, you can cover it again and let it steam for a few more minutes.
   • Once ready, fluff the rice with a fork and serve alongside your favorite protein.

Conclusion

You have now created a flavorful Jamaican-style Rice and Peas dish! This recipe not only highlights the rich flavors of coconut and spices but also offers versatility as a side for various meats. Enjoy your cooking experience and consider sharing this dish with family and friends for a taste of Jamaican cuisine!