Jamaica is a beautiful island located in the Greater Antilles and was the home of Bob Marley, one of my favorite musicians.
Some ingredients used in Jamaican cuisine are similar to the ingredients used in Colombian cuisine. Some examples of this are: plantains, yuca, coconut milk, beans, avocado, tropical fruits and anatto.
As you may know by now, my friend Joan from Foodalogue is having a virtual culinary tour and this week she is going to Jamaica. So, I will be joining her with a traditional Jamaican side dish, rice and peas.
Soon you may be asking, “where are the peas in this recipe?”. Well, in Jamaica, beans are called peas. This recipe is flavourful and delicious and is especially good with fried plantains on the side.
Ingredients
(6 servings)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 habanero pepper, finely chopped
3 scallions, chopped
1 1/2 cups rice
1 can (15.5 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
11/2 cups coconut milk
2 cups water
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
Directions
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot. Add the scallions and cook about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and habanero and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the rice and stir until well combined.
2. Add the beans, salt, pepper, water, coconut milk, butter and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for about 35 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
Related posts:
sugar plum
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 10:26 AM:
I love the beautiful way u painted a pretty pic for Jamaica…and ur delightful recipe and pics too….
Have a wondeful day ahead…..
Kim
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 10:27 AM:
I love how you use a mold to shape your rice! It looks really pretty Erica!
5 Star Foodie
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 10:40 AM:
Mmm… the rice and beans sound just perfect especially with the fried plantains! I haven’t made my dish yet. I hope to make it tonight.
Joan Nova
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 12:41 PM:
Even though I knew red beans were used when a Jamaican recipe calls for peas, I went the literal route and used green peas. Glad you authenticated the dish. Thanks for keeping me company along the way.
Maria
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 12:48 PM:
Great addition to Joan’s event Erica! Lovely dish with great flavors.
Erica
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 12:53 PM:
Thank you everyone for the comments!
Juliana
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 3:29 PM:
Erica, this rice dish sure looks delicious…almost can taste the coconut milk in it…by the way, love the plantains as well. We loved Jamaica…it brings lots of great memories
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 4:20 PM:
I loved the food in Jamaica when we were there! This looks delicious!
Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 4:21 PM:
Oh I love rice dishes! This looks beautiful and delicious. I am not sure if I’ve ever tried any Jamaican food. Looks great!
rebecca subbiah
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 5:28 PM:
wow this rocks I love this and great presentation
Simply Life
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 5:39 PM:
yum! another mix of some of my favorite ingredients!
Erica
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 5:43 PM:
Thank you all for visiting my blog!
Joy
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 5:46 PM:
What a beautiful plateful! Rice and beans are such a wonder and I love seeing the ways they are put together. But it is those mouthwatering fried plantains that really make the plate!
Bo
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 6:51 PM:
Beautiful presentation! Almost too pretty to eat!
Gloria
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 7:35 PM:
Erica this look fantastic, gloria
Faith
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 8:32 PM:
I would love to visit Jamaica! This dish looks really delicious — I love the coconut milk in it!
The Trinigourmet
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 10:16 PM:
As someone with a Jamaican mother I must say it was wonderful to see not only an ‘authentic’ recipe but also down home presentation
Now I’m hungry! Kudos 
Gera @ Sweets Foods Blog
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 10:23 PM:
Adorable recipe more the swing of the Jamaican rhythm with coconut milk
Have a great week,
Gera
Erica
on Feb 22nd, 2010
@ 10:33 PM:
Thank you guys for the wonderful comments!
ap269
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 3:55 AM:
The combination of the rice with the plantains sounds delicious! I wasn’t too happy with my Jamaican recipe, but yours looks really good!
grace
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 5:41 AM:
ha–i wondered where those brown, kidney-shaped peas were grown.
great recipe and lovely presentation!
Rachana Kothari
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 7:35 AM:
Wow!!! this is such a great recipe and you’ve presented it so beautifully:)
Oysterculture
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 9:07 AM:
A great adaptation on that wonderful combo beans and rice. I really like the addition of coconut milk.
Lyndsey
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 9:55 AM:
I wanted another good beans and rice recipe. I love using coconut milk in my rice. This one sounds so good! Thanks!
Erica
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 10:04 AM:
Thank you:)
Joanne
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 1:02 PM:
To be honest, I’m pretty sure everything tastes good with fried plantains on the side. God I love those things.
This dish looks amazing! Apparently I really like Jamaican food.
Kitchen Butterfly
on Feb 23rd, 2010
@ 5:05 PM:
Those plantains………..look heavenly!!!!!
Chris
on Feb 24th, 2010
@ 5:28 PM:
Nice easy side dish and I like the way you presented it in a timbale.