There’s something magical about rice and peas that transports you to a sun-soaked Caribbean dinner table, where laughter mingles with the aroma of coconut and spices. Picture this: fluffy rice kissed by the creamy embrace of coconut milk and tender peas, all coming together in a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. You can almost hear the steel drums playing as you dig in.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration. I remember one memorable family gathering where my aunt’s rice and peas stole the show, making everyone abandon their diets faster than you can say “seconds, please.” It’s perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, or simply those cozy nights when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful rice and peas recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The flavor combination is out of this world, bringing tropical vibes right into your kitchen
- Its beautiful colors and textures create an eye-catching dish that will impress your guests
- Plus, it pairs wonderfully with various proteins or stands alone as a hearty vegetarian option
Sharing this dish has always evoked smiles around the table as we dive into serving after serving.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Long-Grain Rice: I usually go for basmati or jasmine—both offer great texture and absorb flavors beautifully.
-
Canned Coconut Milk: Choose full-fat for richness; it makes the dish creamy and luxurious.
-
Fresh Thyme: Use sprigs of fresh thyme for a fragrant touch; dried works in a pinch but lacks the same aroma.
-
Green Peas: Fresh or frozen are both good options; they add sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
-
Garlic: Minced garlic elevates flavor; don’t skip this essential ingredient for that aromatic kick.
-
Onion: Chopped onion adds depth; sauté until soft for optimal flavor development.
-
Salt and Pepper: Season generously; these basics enhance all the delicious flavors in your rice and peas.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by prepping your ingredients: Gather everything you need so you’re not scrambling like a chicken with its head cut off when it’s time to cook. Chop onions, mince garlic, and rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
Sauté Your Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add some oil and toss in chopped onion. Sauté until translucent—about 5 minutes—then stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
Add Rice and Liquid: Pour in your rinsed rice followed by coconut milk and enough water to cover everything generously. Stir gently while admiring how pretty it looks already!
Season It Up!: Toss in fresh thyme sprigs along with salt and pepper. Let those flavors mingle while waiting for the magic to happen!
Bring to Simmer: Crank up the heat until boiling then reduce it down to low. Cover tightly and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed; no peeking!
Add Peas at the End: Once cooked, fold in green peas gently with a fork. Let them warm through for about 5 minutes before fluffing everything together.
Enjoy this vibrant dish alongside grilled chicken or fish—or savor it solo! The intoxicating aroma will have everyone asking for seconds even before they take their first bite!
You Must Know
- Rice and peas is a beloved dish that combines creamy coconut, aromatic spices, and tender rice
- This comforting meal is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings
- The rich flavors make it a family favorite, guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor. Add rinsed rice and peas, then pour in coconut milk and water. Bring to a boil before reducing heat and simmering until fluffy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap white rice for brown for added nutrition or mix in veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rice and peas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of coconut milk to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly fluffy rice, rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch
- Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme for an aromatic twist
- Don’t skip the resting time; it enhances texture and flavor immensely!
There’s a special joy in watching friends devour my rice and peas—it’s like instant validation of my cooking prowess!
FAQ
What type of rice works best for rice and peas?
Medium-grain white rice is ideal, but feel free to use jasmine or basmati too.
Can I use frozen peas instead of dried?
Absolutely! Just add them a few minutes before finishing cooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chopped Scotch bonnet peppers or cayenne pepper during cooking for heat.
Rice and Peas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Rice and peas is a delightful Caribbean dish that captures the essence of tropical flavors in every bite. This comforting recipe features fluffy long-grain rice enveloped in rich coconut milk, paired with sweet green peas and aromatic herbs. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it brings warmth and joy to your table. Easy to prepare, this dish not only pleases the palate but also impresses with its vibrant colors. Enjoy it as a standalone vegetarian option or alongside your favorite protein for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Rinse the rice under cold water until clear. Chop onion and mince garlic.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in rinsed rice, then pour in coconut milk and enough water to cover the mixture generously.
- Season: Add fresh thyme along with salt and pepper. Stir gently.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Finish: Gently fold in green peas and let them warm through for about 5 minutes before fluffing everything together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, substitute white rice with brown rice. Mix in colorful veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor.