
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.

Jamaican Rice and Peas
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 habanero pepper finely chopped
- 3 scallions chopped
- 1 ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.


Faith
I would love to visit Jamaica! This dish looks really delicious -- I love the coconut milk in it!
Gloria
Erica this look fantastic, gloria
Bo
Beautiful presentation! Almost too pretty to eat!
Joy
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!
Erica
Thank you all for visiting my blog!
Simply Life
yum! another mix of some of my favorite ingredients!
rebecca subbiah
wow this rocks I love this and great presentation
Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes
Oh I love rice dishes! This looks beautiful and delicious. I am not sure if I've ever tried any Jamaican food. Looks great!
Jenn AKA The Leftover Queen
I loved the food in Jamaica when we were there! This looks delicious!
Juliana
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 🙂
Erica
Thank you everyone for the comments!
Maria
Great addition to Joan's event Erica! Lovely dish with great flavors.
Joan Nova
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.
5 Star Foodie
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.
Kim
I love how you use a mold to shape your rice! It looks really pretty Erica!
sugar plum
I love the beautiful way u painted a pretty pic for Jamaica...and ur delightful recipe and pics too....
Have a wondeful day ahead.....