Rice and Peas

Rice and Peas

A beloved Caribbean staple, this Jamaican-style rice and peas is cooked low and slow in rich coconut milk with kidney beans, fragrant thyme, scallions, and a whole Scotch bonnet pepper for gentle heat. Every grain soaks up the creamy, savory broth — making it the perfect partner for jerk chicken, oxtail, or curry goat.

6 servings · Prep 10 min · Cook 35 min · Total 45 min

Caribbean · Dinner · Side Dish

  • 2 cup long-grain white rice rinsed until water runs clear
  • 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk shaken well
  • 1.5 cup water
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 3 stalks scallions whole, tied in a knot or left whole
  • 4 piece fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper left whole and intact — do not pierce
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Saucepan
  • Pot
  • Fork
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Lid
  • Measuring Cups
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Saucepan (1 Quart)
  • Dipping Fork

Instructions

  1. In a #[Saucepan] over ^[medium-high heat], combine the @[Coconut Milk], @[Water], drained @[Kidney Beans], smashed @[Garlic] cloves, @[Scallions], @[Thyme] sprigs, whole @[Scotch Bonnet Pepper], @[Salt], and @[Black Pepper]. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
  2. Add the rinsed @[Long-Grain White Rice] and stir once to combine. Return the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to ^[low]. Cover tightly with a lid.
  3. Cook on ^[low heat], undisturbed, for ~[25–28 minutes], until the @[Rice] is fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during cooking — this traps the steam that finishes the @[Rice].
  4. Remove the lid and discard the @[Scotch Bonnet Pepper] (whole), @[Scallions], and @[Thyme] sprigs. If using, stir in the @[Butter] for extra richness. Fluff the @[Rice] gently with a fork, taste for @[Salt], and adjust as needed.
  5. Serve immediately alongside jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, or any Caribbean main. The @[Rice] should be fluffy, fragrant, and lightly creamy from the @[Coconut Milk].