How to Make the Perfect Rice and Peas
Caribbean · Easy · 30 min · 6 servings
This creamy coconut rice and kidney bean dish is a kid friendly Caribbean staple that pairs perfectly with almost any protein. Parents love this recipe because it is simple, nutritious, and packed with flavors that children naturally enjoy.
Why this recipe works
This Rice and Peas recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 7g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add the coconut milk, water, kidney beans, garlic, and salt to a medium saucepan and stir everything together over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
Step 2: Add the Rice
Stir in the white rice, bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly with a lid.
Step 3: Cook Until Fluffy
Cook on low heat for 18 to 20 minutes without lifting the lid so the steam cooks the rice all the way through and makes it perfectly fluffy.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Remove from heat and let the pot sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite Caribbean meal.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- kidney beans → black beans or chickpeas which both work wonderfully and offer similar nutrition
- long grain white rice → jasmine rice for a slightly more fragrant and aromatic version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Lifting the lid during cooking which releases the steam and results in unevenly cooked and mushy rice
- Using too little liquid which prevents the rice from cooking through and leaves it hard and chalky
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 7g protein, 48g carbs, 8g fat, 5g fiber.
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