I have said before that I love Caribbean food, especially food from the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Something about plantains, stewed meat, and rice & beans…you have to eat it to really know! Thankfully you don’t have to travel far, only to your local grocery store and into your kitchen. We have tried so many different versions of Rice & Beans. Some are dry, some do not use coconut milk, others have super mushy beans. This was my first time making Caribbean Rice and Beans. I wanted to get the flavor profile right without adding too much or too little of something.
My DH said that these were by far the best Rice & Beans he has ever eaten. I thought he was just being overly kind until he finished the pot…
Delicious Rating: I usually do all my prep with a good ol’ fashion chef’s knife but you can save some time by using a food processor. I thought that this easy recipe was good, not my all time favorite. I found it to be a bit wet for my taste. I don’t want dry Rice & Beans but not moist either. Although my DH says they are the best we have ever eaten something was missing for me. I could really have been the meal profile. I only made rice & beans, when usually they are served with some meat and plantains, so that may have been missing for me. Otherwise, please try out this recipe and let me know what you think of it. I love the bell peppers adding color to it. I will definitely make these again with an adjustment on the coconut milk: adding more water and less milk.
Caribbean Rice and Beans
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion minced
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 Serrano or habanero chilies minced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tsp fresh ginger minced
- 1½ cup of white rice
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups of coconut milk
- 1 cup of hot water
- 2 cups of cooked kidney or other firm bean drained & rinsed
Instructions
- In a large pan heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, chilies, garlic, and ginger and cook for 5-minutes.
- Stir in rice and coat well with oil.
- Stir in sugar, salt, allspice, thyme, and nutmeg.
- Add in coconut milk and water, cover, reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 20-minutes or until rice is tender and cooked through.
- Gently fold in beans and heat through.
- Serve hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional benefits of Caribbean rice and beans
Caribbean rice and beans is a nutritious and filling dish that is popular in many parts of the Caribbean. The dish is made with rice, beans, and a variety of other ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and spices. Caribbean rice and beans is a good source of protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. The dish is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, while beans are an excellent source of protein. Together, they make a complete meal that can help you meet your daily nutritional needs.
- Caribbean rice and beans is also a good source of fiber. Beans are a natural source of dietary fiber, while rice contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. This combination can help to keep your digestive system healthy and regular.
- In addition to its nutritional benefits, Caribbean rice and beans is also a budget-friendly dish. Rice and beans are both relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this dish a great option for those on a tight budget.
Caribbean rice and beans recipe – how to store it and eat it
There are many different ways to enjoy Caribbean rice and beans.
- One popular way is to simply store it in a cool, dry place and then eat it as a side dish or main meal.
- Another way to enjoy this recipe is to cook it according to the instructions below, and then freeze it in individual portions.
- To reheat, simply remove the frozen rice and beans from the freezer and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
If you want to enjoy Caribbean rice and beans as a main meal, there are a few different ways to do so.
- One option is to cook the rice and beans according to the instructions below, and then top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Another option is to cook the rice and beans, and then stir in some chopped cooked bacon or sausage.
Whatever way you enjoy it, Caribbean rice and beans is a delicious and healthy option for a quick and easy meal.
