Coconut Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this Coconut Jamaican Red Beans and Rice recipe. A staple in Jamaican cuisine, this dish beautifully combines tender red beans with the creamy richness of coconut, while aromatic herbs and spices elevate its taste. The use of a whole scotch bonnet pepper adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat, allowing the comforting essence of the dish to shine through. It pairs fantastically with a variety of Caribbean dishes such as jerk chicken, calalou, and curry. Enjoy as a hearty main or a luxurious side, and don't forget to finish your meal with a refreshing Caribbean Lime Mousse for dessert.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried red beans or red kidney beans
8 ounces (sorted and rinsed)
Water
1 quart (for soaking and cooking)
Chicken stock or water
16 ounces (for cooking)
Coconut cream
1/2 cup (added to the cooking beans)
Fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons (fresh)
Ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
Scallions
2 (finely chopped)
White onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Scotch bonnet pepper
1 (left whole)
Brown sugar
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Uncooked long grain rice
2 1/4 cups (added to the cooking mixture)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut Jamaican Red Beans and Rice?
It is a traditional Caribbean staple dish that combines tender red beans with creamy coconut and aromatic spices like allspice and thyme.
What kind of beans are best for this recipe?
Dried red beans or red kidney beans are recommended for the most authentic flavor and texture.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
While dried beans are preferred, you can use canned kidney beans; however, you should adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
What makes the rice creamy in this recipe?
The use of 1/2 cup of coconut cream adds a rich, luxurious texture and flavor to the dish.
Is this Jamaican Red Beans and Rice recipe spicy?
The dish offers a subtle warmth but is not overly spicy because the scotch bonnet pepper is left whole during cooking.
Why is the scotch bonnet pepper left whole?
Keeping the pepper whole allows it to infuse the rice with flavor and aroma without releasing intense heat from the seeds.
What type of rice should I use?
Uncooked long grain rice is the best choice to ensure the grains remain separate and fluffy.
What are the essential spices for this dish?
Ground allspice, fresh thyme, black pepper, and garlic are key to achieving the signature Caribbean flavor profile.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
It can be vegetarian if you choose to use water or vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Is the recipe vegan?
Yes, by using water as the cooking liquid, this recipe is naturally vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with Jamaican Red Beans and Rice?
It pairs excellently with jerk chicken, calalou, curry, or even as a hearty standalone main dish.
Can I substitute coconut cream with coconut milk?
Yes, you can use coconut milk, though the rice will be slightly less rich than when using coconut cream.
How do I prepare the dried beans?
The beans should be sorted and rinsed thoroughly before soaking and cooking in water.
What onion should I use?
The recipe calls for a combination of chopped white onion and finely chopped scallions for layered flavor.
Why is brown sugar included in the recipe?
A small amount of brown sugar helps balance the savory and spicy elements of the dish.
What is the role of allspice in this recipe?
Allspice provides a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor that is quintessential to Jamaican cuisine.
How much rice do I need?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of uncooked long grain rice.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use powder in a pinch.
How many scallions are needed?
Two finely chopped scallions are used to provide a mild, fresh onion taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How much water is needed for soaking and cooking?
The recipe calls for 1 quart of water for the initial soaking and cooking of the beans.
What dessert pairs well with this Caribbean meal?
A refreshing Caribbean Lime Mousse is the perfect light finish to this hearty meal.
Can I substitute the scotch bonnet pepper?
If you cannot find a scotch bonnet, a habanero pepper is the closest substitute in terms of flavor and heat.
How much coconut cream is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of coconut cream added directly to the cooking beans.
What is the purpose of chicken stock?
Chicken stock adds an extra layer of savory depth to the rice, though water can be used as a substitute.
How do I use fresh thyme?
Use two teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves to provide a bright, herbal note to the dish.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes, once the beans are tender, you can transfer the mixture to a rice cooker to finish cooking the rice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Jamaican Red Beans and Rice?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Reheat it with a splash of water or coconut milk to keep it from drying out.
Is this the same as Jamaican Rice and Peas?
Yes, in Jamaica, beans are often referred to as "peas," so this is a version of the classic Rice and Peas.