Savory Jamaican Coconut Rice and Pigeon Peas
Experience the robust flavors of Jamaica with this simple and delicious Savory Jamaican Coconut Rice and Pigeon Peas recipe. Using a slow cooker makes this dish both convenient and perfect for busy days. The unique combination of fragrant thyme, garlic, and the slight kick from the Scotch bonnet pepper creates a delightful harmony of flavors. While the original recipe calls for pigeon peas in coconut milk, a quick substitution method is suggested, allowing you to create a hearty meal with easily accessible ingredients. Serve this vibrant and comforting dish for a family dinner or as a side at your next gathering. Enjoy the taste of the Caribbean right at home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Uncle Ben's converted brand rice
2 cups (uncooked)
Fresh thyme sprigs
3 sprigs (whole)
Garlic cloves
2 cloves (minced)
Scallions
2 (chopped)
Salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Canned pigeon peas
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Coconut milk
1 1/2 cups (to replace part of the water)
Water
2 cups (or as needed for rice cooker)
Scotch bonnet pepper
1 (whole (do not slice))
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps in achieving fluffy rice.
2
In the rice cooker, add the rinsed rice.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the water, coconut milk, drained pigeon peas, salt, pepper, minced garlic, chopped scallions, and thyme.
4
Pour the combined mixture over the rice in the cooker, ensuring that the rice is well-covered with liquid and there's at least an inch above the rice.
5
Place the whole Scotch bonnet pepper on top—do not cut it unless you want more heat.
6
Close the rice cooker lid and switch it on. Allow it to cook until it automatically switches to 'warm'.
7
Once cooking is complete, let it rest for a few minutes before opening the lid to prevent steam burns.
8
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, incorporate the flavors, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Jamaican Coconut Rice and Pigeon Peas?
It is a robust Caribbean dish featuring fragrant rice, coconut milk, and pigeon peas, often cooked in a rice cooker or slow cooker for convenience.
What are the key ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include Uncle Ben's converted rice, fresh thyme sprigs, garlic, scallions, salt, black pepper, canned pigeon peas, coconut milk, water, and a whole Scotch bonnet pepper.
Do I need to wash the rice before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to help achieve a fluffy texture.
Can I prepare this in a rice cooker?
Yes, the instructions specifically guide you to use a rice cooker for this recipe.
What type of rice is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of Uncle Ben's converted brand rice.
How many pigeon peas are required?
The recipe requires one 14.5-ounce can of pigeon peas.
Should the pigeon peas be drained?
Yes, the canned pigeon peas should be drained and rinsed before use.
What is the role of the Scotch bonnet pepper?
The Scotch bonnet pepper provides a unique fragrance and a slight kick of heat to the dish.
Why should I keep the Scotch bonnet pepper whole?
Keeping the pepper whole prevents the dish from becoming too spicy; do not cut it unless you want more heat.
How much coconut milk is used?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of coconut milk to replace part of the water.
How much water do I need to add?
Add 2 cups of water, or as much as is needed for your specific rice cooker.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
Which herbs provide the main aroma?
Three sprigs of fresh thyme are used to provide a fragrant herbal aroma.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
Do I need to chop the scallions?
Yes, 2 scallions should be chopped and mixed into the liquid ingredients.
What seasonings are added for taste?
One tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon of black pepper are added, or adjusted to taste.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, the description mentions that using a slow cooker makes this dish convenient for busy days.
When should the Scotch bonnet pepper be added?
Place the whole Scotch bonnet pepper on top of the mixture in the rice cooker before closing the lid.
How do I know when the rice is finished cooking?
In a rice cooker, allow it to cook until the machine automatically switches to the 'warm' setting.
Why is resting the rice important after cooking?
Letting the rice rest for a few minutes prevents steam burns when opening the lid and helps the texture settle.
How should I serve the rice?
Fluff the rice gently with a fork to incorporate the flavors and serve it hot.
Is Jamaican Coconut Rice considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comforting and vibrant dish perfect for family dinners.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be minced before being combined with the liquid mixture.
Should the thyme sprigs be chopped?
No, the recipe calls for using the fresh thyme sprigs whole.
How do I ensure the rice is fluffy?
By rinsing the rice until the water is clear and fluffing it with a fork after it has finished cooking.
Can I substitute the pigeon peas?
Yes, if pigeon peas are unavailable, the description suggests a quick substitution method can be used.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is a classic example of Caribbean and Jamaican cuisine.
Should I mix the liquid and spices before adding them to the rice?
Yes, combine the water, coconut milk, peas, salt, pepper, garlic, scallions, and thyme in a separate bowl first.
How much liquid should be over the rice?
Ensure the rice is well-covered with liquid and that there is at least an inch of liquid above the rice level.
Does the recipe include cholesterol?
According to the provided data, the cholesterol content is not listed (null).