Caribbean Rice and Beans

Caribbean Rice and Beans

6 servings
Seasoned with garlic, onions, and Creole spice, then infused with bay leaves, thyme, Scotch bonnet, and coconut milk. True Caribbean comfort food for the soul.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil)

    (or canola

  • 2-3 cloves garlic

    minced

  • ½ medium onion

    diced

  • 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
  • 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme)

    (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk)

    (about 1¾ cups

  • 1 15.5-ounce can red kidney beans

    rinsed and drained

  • 2 small bay leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
    to taste
  • 2¼ cups chicken broth or water)

    (see notes

  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon)

    (optional

  • 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika)

    (optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Wash rice until water runs clear. Drain water.

  2. 2

    Heat a saucepan with oil. Then add onions, garlic, thyme, and hot pepper, and sauté for about a minute.

  3. 3

    Stir in rice to the pan, followed by beans, and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add coconut milk, bay leaf, bouillon powder, and Creole spice with 2¼ cups of broth or water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover with a lid, and simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes (more or less). Stir occasionally from the sides to prevent burning add more water as needed.

  4. 4

    Adjust for salt and pepper. Discard bay leaves You have to stir occasionally to be preventing any burns.

  5. 5

    Serve warm.

Caribbean Rice and Beans

Caribbean Rice and Beans

35 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a taste of the islands right in your kitchen? This Caribbean Rice and Beans recipe delivers authentic, soulful comfort in just 35 minutes, bringing vibrant flavors to your table with ease. You'll love how quickly this hearty dish comes together for any meal.

What sets this dish apart is the masterful blend of aromatics and spices. Infused with rich coconut milk, fragrant garlic and onions, earthy thyme, and the distinctive kick of a Scotch bonnet pepper, every spoonful transports you to the Caribbean. The Creole seasoning creates a deep, savory foundation that perfectly complements the hearty red kidney beans and long grain rice.

Prepare for a truly satisfying culinary experience. You'll find a wonderfully aromatic dish, where the creamy texture of the coconut milk coats each grain of rice and bean, creating a comforting richness. The gentle warmth from the whole Scotch bonnet pepper and Creole spice balances beautifully with the fresh herbs, resulting in a complex yet approachable flavor profile that is both hearty and incredibly satisfying. This is pure soul food, designed to warm you from the inside out.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to make this recipe your own. You can swap vegetable oil for canola oil based on what you have. If fresh thyme isn't available, dried thyme works perfectly. For a richer depth, opt for chicken broth and the optional chicken bouillon, or keep it simpler with water. Don't forget that paprika is an optional addition to enhance color and flavor.

This Caribbean Rice and Beans is the quintessential comfort dish, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a vibrant gathering with friends. Serve it as a robust main course or as a flavorful side to your favorite grilled meats or fish.

Frequently Asked Questions