Peas and rice is a traditional Jamaican dish that is popularly served as a side dish to jerk chicken or fish. It is a simple, yet flavorful dish that is easy to make and loved by many. The dish is made with kidney beans, rice, coconut milk, and an assortment of aromatic spices. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of dried kidney beans - 2 cups of rice - 2 cups of coconut milk - 2 cups of water - 1 onion, chopped - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 2 sprigs of thyme - 1 scotch bonnet pepper - 2 teaspoons of salt - 2 teaspoons of black pepper - 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Kidney Beans
Start by soaking the kidney beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain the beans and rinse them thoroughly.
Step 2: Cook the Kidney Beans
In a large pot, add the kidney beans and enough water to cover them by an inch. Add the onion, garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the beans simmer for about 45 minutes or until they are tender.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
In a separate pot, add the rice, coconut milk, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes or until it is fully cooked.
Step 4: Combine the Beans and Rice
Once the beans and rice are cooked, remove the thyme sprigs and scotch bonnet pepper from the pot with the beans. Add the beans to the pot with the rice and stir until well combined.
Step 5: Serve
Peas and rice can be served hot or at room temperature. It pairs well with any Jamaican dish, particularly jerk chicken or fish.
Nutrition
Peas and rice is a nutritious and filling dish that is high in fiber and protein. One serving of peas and rice contains approximately 250 calories, 8 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fiber. The dish is also rich in iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Conclusion
Peas and rice is a classic Jamaican dish that is easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients. It is a perfect side dish for any Jamaican meal, and it can also be enjoyed as a main dish. Try making this dish at home and enjoy the flavors of Jamaica in your own kitchen.