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Easy Flavorful Rice and Peas Recipe Perfect for Any Meal

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A forgiving and vibrant rice and peas recipe that pairs well with grilled chicken or roasted veggies, perfect for any meal and ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (270g) long-grain white rice
  • 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed or 1 ½ cups cooked from dry
  • 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) water
  • 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs (or dried thyme as a substitute)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 3–4 whole allspice berries (optional but recommended)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch (about 2 minutes).
  2. Heat oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped green onions, and thyme sprigs. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Stir in the drained kidney beans and whole allspice berries. Cook for another minute to meld flavors.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk and water, then add the rinsed rice. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently once more.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes to firm up and absorb flavors.
  8. Remove thyme sprigs and allspice berries. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

Rinsing the rice thoroughly ensures fluffier results. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to prevent uneven texture. Letting the rice rest covered after cooking improves texture. Toasting the rice in oil before adding liquids is optional for nuttier flavor. Use fresh thyme if possible for best aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: rice and peas, Caribbean rice, easy rice recipe, flavorful rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-flavorful-rice-and-peas-recipe-perfect-for-any-meal/