Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe - Easy & Delicious

Authentic Jamaican Vegetarian recipe — Jamaican Rice and Peas. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe - Easy & Delicious

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup long-grain rice (washed and drained)
  • 1 cup canned kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 scallion chopped
  • 1 whole pimento (allspice) berry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Sauté Aromatics

    In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and scallion, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Do not let garlic burn to avoid bitterness.
  2. Combine Ingredients

    Add the washed rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, water, thyme, salt, and pimento berries to the pot.

    Ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
  3. Bring to Boil

    Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

    Keep an eye on it to prevent overflowing.
  4. Simmer

    Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

    Avoid lifting the lid during cooking for best results.
  5. Fluff and Serve

    Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork before serving.

    Serve with additional coconut milk if desired.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Use fresh thyme for a more aromatic flavor. Adjust the salt based on the saltiness of the beans. For added heat, include diced Scotch bonnet pepper during cooking.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your jamaican meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe - Easy & Delicious is a beloved dish from Jamaican cuisine.

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its bold seasonings, jerk-style cooking, and tropical ingredients.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but adjust the cooking time and water ratio as brown rice takes longer to cook.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories250kcal
Total Fat7gg
Sodium400mgmg
Total Carbohydrates45gg
Dietary Fiber6gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein6gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJamaican
CategoryRice Dishes