Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe with Traditional Spices and Coconut Milk

Name: Jamaican Rice And Peas
Prep time: 8 h 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: – 1 cup dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight or for at least 8 hours); – 3 cups water (up to 4 cups for boiling); – 2 cups uncooked long grain rice; – 1 13.5-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk; – 1 teaspoon sea salt; – 3 stalks scallion (cut or torn in half); – 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper; – 2 cloves garlic; – 1 teaspoon pimento berries (allspice); – A few sprigs of thyme

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

January 19, 2026

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Rice And Peas

This Jamaican rice and peas recipe offers simplicity and rich flavors that make it a go-to choice for any home cook. You’ll appreciate how it comes together with basic ingredients for a satisfying meal that’s full of heartwarming taste. It’s an easy way to bring a bit of Caribbean sunshine to your table without much fuss.

Beyond its ease, this dish packs health benefits like fiber and protein from the kidney beans, making it a nutritious option for busy lifestyles. Whether you’re a student, parent, or working professional, it fits into various routines while keeping things delicious and balanced. Plus, its adaptability lets you tweak it for dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy its authentic appeal.

One of the best parts is the bold, authentic flavors from coconut milk and traditional spices that create a dish bursting with character. For those exploring new tastes, this recipe inspires joy and brings people together around the table. So, if you’re a food enthusiast or traveler at heart, it’s a recipe that feels both comforting and exciting every time you make it.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Rice And Peas
Essential Ingredients for Jamaican Rice And Peas
How to Prepare the Perfect Jamaican Rice And Peas: Step-by-Step Guide
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Jamaican Rice And Peas
Mastering Jamaican Rice And Peas: Advanced Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Results
How to Store Jamaican Rice And Peas: Best Practices
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Jamaican Rice And Peas
What kind of beans are best for making traditional Jamaican rice and peas?
Can I substitute Scotch bonnet peppers if I don’t have them?
Is it possible to use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for cooking the beans?
How should I store Jamaican rice and peas, and can I freeze leftovers?
What dishes go well with Jamaican rice and peas?
Jamaican Rice And Peas
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Essential Ingredients for Jamaican Rice And Peas

To make this traditional Jamaican rice and peas, gather the key ingredients that bring out its authentic flavor. This section lists everything you need with exact measurements to help you prepare it just right. Using these items ensures a delicious result that’s simple and satisfying.

1 cup dried red kidney beans (soaked overnight or for at least 8 hours)
3 cups water (up to 4 cups for boiling)
2 cups uncooked long grain rice
1 13.5-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 stalks scallion (cut or torn in half)
1 whole scotch bonnet pepper
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon pimento berries (allspice)
A few sprigs of thyme

For special dietary options, you can keep it vegan with plant-based coconut milk or gluten-free by sticking to these ingredients. These elements combine to create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for all levels of home cooks.

How to Prepare the Perfect Jamaican Rice And Peas: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with Jamaican rice and peas begins with preparing the beans, which sets the foundation for the dish. First, rinse the soaked kidney beans and boil them in water until tender, taking about 30 minutes to an hour. Once tender, retain the cooking water and add the rice, coconut milk, salt, scallion, scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, allspice, and thyme to the pot.

Next, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes. After that, reduce to low heat and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until the rice is done. Finally, remove the pot from heat, let it sit covered for 10 minutes, and remove the whole seasonings before serving; adjust seasoning to taste for the best flavor.

The total preparation time is about 20 minutes, with 55 minutes of cooking, making the whole process around 1 hour and 15 minutes. For more Caribbean-inspired meals, try our Jamaican Jerk Chicken recipe to pair with this side. Remember, monitoring cooking times based on bean and rice size helps achieve the perfect texture every time.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Jamaican Rice And Peas

Adapting Jamaican rice and peas for different needs keeps it versatile and fun to make. For protein swaps, try pigeon peas or black-eyed peas instead of kidney beans to mix things up. If you’re aiming for a high-protein version, add cooked chicken or shrimp, but skip that for vegan options to keep it plant-based.

When it comes to veggies and seasonings, toss in bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and color. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you’re watching gluten, and play with herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh twist. These changes let you enjoy the dish while fitting your preferences or restrictions.

Mastering Jamaican Rice And Peas: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Jamaican rice and peas to the next level starts with pro techniques like lightly toasting the rice in oil before adding liquids; this brings out a nutty flavor and better texture. For flavor twists, add smoked paprika or a splash of scotch bonnet pepper sauce to amp up the spice and smokiness. Keeping the scotch bonnet pepper whole helps control the heat while letting its flavors shine through.

You can use a pressure cooker to speed up bean cooking, saving time without losing taste try soaking beans first and cooking for 25-30 minutes. Also, substituting habanero peppers works if you can’t find scotch bonnet, and replacing water with vegetable broth adds extra depth. For make-ahead meals, prepare in advance and store for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for 3 months, adding liquid when reheating to keep it moist.

Tips for Perfect Results

Always monitor cooking times as they vary with the size of beans and rice for the best outcome. Presentation-wise, garnish with fresh herbs and a lime wedge to make it look as good as it tastes. Using kidney beans sticks to tradition for that creamy texture, making every bowl feel authentic and impressive.

How to Store Jamaican Rice And Peas: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Jamaican rice and peas fresh and tasty for later. Cool the dish completely before putting it in airtight containers and refrigerating for up to 5 days, as this locks in the flavors. For longer keep, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags, removing air to avoid freezer burn, and they can last up to 3 months.

When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge or heat directly from frozen on low with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture. For meal prep, cook big batches, portion them out, and label with dates to make your week easier. Following these steps ensures the dish retains its creamy texture and rich taste.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Jamaican Rice And Peas

What kind of beans are best for making traditional Jamaican rice and peas?

The best beans for Jamaican rice and peas are dried red kidney beans. These beans are soaked overnight to soften them and reduce cooking time, which helps develop the dish’s authentic flavor and texture. Using dried beans rather than canned ones is preferred because canned beans often lack the depth of flavor and can result in a mushy texture.

Can I substitute Scotch bonnet peppers if I don’t have them?

Yes, you can substitute Scotch bonnet peppers with habanero peppers if necessary. While habaneros provide similar heat, Scotch bonnet peppers have a unique slightly fruity flavor that contributes to the authentic taste of Jamaican rice and peas. To avoid excessive spiciness, keep the pepper whole to infuse flavor without making the dish too hot.

Is it possible to use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for cooking the beans?

Absolutely. Using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot can significantly reduce the time needed to cook dried kidney beans. Simply soak the beans overnight, then cook them under pressure for about 25-30 minutes until tender. This method saves time and still allows the beans to absorb the rich coconut milk seasoning.

How should I store Jamaican rice and peas, and can I freeze leftovers?

Store leftover Jamaican rice and peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to keep the rice moist and flavorful, as it can dry out during storage.

What dishes go well with Jamaican rice and peas?

Jamaican rice and peas pair wonderfully with a variety of traditional Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken or pork, ackee and saltfish, fried plantains, and steamed vegetables. It also complements spicy hot sauces and stewed meats, making it a versatile side dish for Caribbean-inspired meals.