How to Make Authentic Jamaican Rice & Peas: A Step-By-Step Guide

Naturally Vegetarians
Mar 4
6 min read

Jamaican rice and peas is a beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. This version stays true to its authentic roots but offers a milder take, skipping the Scotch bonnet pepper while still delivering rich Caribbean flavors. While Scotch bonnet peppers add heat and depth to traditional recipes, they can be too intense for sensitive stomachs. By forgoing the spice, this dish remains gentle yet flavorful, with creamy coconut milk, aromatic thyme, and perfectly seasoned kidney beans. In this post, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to make this staple at home, ensuring a delicious and balanced experience for all palates. Perfect alongside jerk-spiced tofu or as a satisfying dish on its own! We’ll also discuss the cultural significance of rice and peas in Jamaican cuisine, offering a step-by-step guide to making it perfectly every time. Whether you're serving it alongside jerk tofu or enjoying it as a hearty meal on its own, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to embrace authentic island flavors.

March Song of the Month: "Create in Me" by The Acappella Company. Lyrics at end of post.

"Create in Me" is a heartfelt and meditative song that echoes the biblical plea for spiritual renewal and transformation. With soul-stirring harmonies, the song expresses a deep longing for God’s guidance, strength, and shelter. It reflects on surrendering oneself to His will—dying to self and being reborn through His love. Rooted in Psalm 51, this uplifting piece is performed by The Acappella Company, a multiracial group known for their rich vocal harmonies and spiritually uplifting music. Their diverse voices come together to create a moving expression of faith, unity, and grace.

Create in Me by the Acappella Company

March Exercise for the Month: Side Lunges

Side lunges are a fantastic lower-body exercise that enhances strength, flexibility, and balance. They target the inner and outer thighs, glutes, and quadriceps while improving hip mobility. Unlike traditional lunges, side lunges strengthen lateral movement, which is essential for overall agility and injury prevention. Plus, they help tone and sculpt the legs—and the best part? You can do them right at your desk! A few reps throughout the day can keep your legs active, improve circulation, and give you a refreshing movement break from sitting.

Side Lunges

Rice and peas is a cornerstone of Jamaican cuisine, deeply woven into the island's history, culture, and traditions. Its significance goes beyond just being a staple dish—here’s why it holds such an important place in Jamaican food culture:

1. A Symbol of Sabbath & Special Gatherings

Traditionally, rice and peas is a Sabbath dinner essential in Jamaican households. It’s often served alongside stews, curries, and fried plantains, bringing families together for a comforting, home-cooked meal. It’s also a go-to dish for celebrations, holidays, and special occasions.

2. African & Colonial Roots

The dish traces its origins to West Africa, where rice and beans were commonly prepared together. Enslaved Africans brought this cooking tradition to Jamaica, and over time, it evolved into what we now know as Jamaican rice and peas. The addition of coconut milk, thyme, and other local seasonings gives it its uniquely Caribbean flair.

3. A Reflection of Resourcefulness

Rice and peas showcases the Jamaican approach to making flavorful, satisfying meals with simple, affordable ingredients. The combination of rice and legumes (often kidney beans, but sometimes gungo peas) provides a hearty, nutritious base that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.

4. A Dish of Unity

Across Jamaica and the broader Caribbean, rice and peas is a unifying dish that transcends class and background. From humble home kitchens to high-end restaurants, it remains a beloved and essential part of Jamaican identity.

Even without the Scotch bonnet pepper, our mild version still honors this tradition by preserving the comforting and flavorful essence of this iconic dish!

Equipment Needed:

Measuring Utensils, Pot, Spoon

Ingredients:

1/2 Onion, medium, chopped

4 Garlic cloves, peeled

1 teaspoon Ginger Root, minced

1 teaspoon Thyme (OR) 1 small Thyme branch

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Allspice

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Can Coconut Milk (13.5 oz)

1 Can Red Kidney Beans, liquid reserved (15 oz)

2 Cups Long Grain Brown Rice

1 Scotch Bonnet, whole (optional)

Directions:

Prepare Ingredients: Wash rice until the water runs clear. Chop the onion, garlic, and ginger; set aside.
Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add thyme, allspice, and salt, stirring to combine.
Prepare Liquid Base: Pour the coconut milk and kidney bean liquid into a 2-cup measuring container. Add enough water to make a total of 4 cups of liquid. Stir this mixture into the pot, then add the kidney beans.
Cook Rice: Add the washed rice to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow it to boil for 4 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Note: If the rice is cooked but still wet, reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered until dry.
Add the Scotch Bonnet (Optional): If using a Scotch bonnet pepper, add it whole to the pot during the cooking process. For extra heat, pierce the pepper slightly before adding it.
Finish and Serve: The Rice & Peas should be dry and fluffy. Remove the Scotch bonnet before serving, if desired. Enjoy!

Jamaican Rice & Peas