Skip to main content

Red beans and rice

A flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish that combines the richness of coconut-infused rice with the hearty texture of red beans.

Traditionally, this dish is prepared by cooking rice in coconut milk alongside red beans, creating a creamy and aromatic base. The inclusion of ingredients like garlic, thyme, and sometimes spicy elements like Scotch bonnet peppers adds depth and a subtle heat to the dish

Ingredients

3 cups broth (vegetable or chicken broth)
1 can beans (red kidney beans, drained, 15oz can)
1 cup coconut milk (unsweetened)
1 tablespoon chili pepper (optional, jalapeño chili, seeded and minced)
1 teaspoon thyme (dried thyme)
1⁄4 teaspoon allspice (ground allspice)
1 cup rice (medium grain white rice)
1 cup green onion (optional, thinly sliced)
  seasoning (salt and ground black pepper to taste)

Instructions

In a pan, combine the broth, coconut milk, red beans, chili, herbs and spices. Bring it to a boil.

Stir in rice. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring often, until most of the liquid has been absorbed, 18-20 minutes.

Mix 3/4 of the green onions, if using, into the rice. Continue to simmer 5 minutes more, adding more liquid if necessary. The rice should be creamy.

Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with the rest of the green onions, if used, and serve hot.

Yield
4 servings
Preparation time 5 minutes
Cooking time 30 minutes
Total time
35 minutes

Notes

The broth can be canned broth or made dissolving a stock cube in boiling water.

If using dried beans, it's essential to soak them overnight and cook them until tender before incorporating them into the rice. This ensures they achieve the desired softness and absorb the flavors effectively.​

Variations

Green onions can be omitted and instead use some garlic.

Sauté aromatics like onions, garlic, and thyme in oil before adding the rice and liquids. This step enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

While red beans are traditional, black beans or pigeon peas can be used as substitutes, offering a different flavor and texture.

Source

The recipe as it is follows the Bahamian style. 

rice, beans, side dish
very easy, simmer
Caribbean food recipes
Food in America

Calling all foodies and wine lovers!

Are you ready to spice up your culinary adventures? Subscribe to Fabulous Food and Wine World, the newsletter that brings the delicious delights of the world straight to your inbox.

Subscribe

* indicates required

Please select all the ways you would like to hear from World Food and Wine:

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use a marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to this platform for processing.