Caribbean Rice And Beans
This is one of the easiest and most surprisingly flavorful recipes. This Caribbean rice and beans recipe is cooked with strong Caribbean spices. kidney beans and spicy rice come together in this dish. Onions and bell pepper give it some crunch, and cilantro adds a strong flavor. Make this dish for dinner and this meal will take you back to the Caribbean!
Different countries around the world have their own unique ways of making rice. They all use commonly used spices, including Allspice, Cumin, Garlic, Onion, Thyme, Paprika, Oregano, and Cayenne. Sausage and peppers are added to Creole or Cajun cuisines.
I love all kinds of ways to mix rice, so I made this easy and tasty Caribbean rice and beans by mixing the seasoning with chicken bouillon Instead of coconut milk. Coconut milk is more common in the Caribbean. This is ideal as a side dish, but it is even more delicious when served as a main course. A great way to get protein is to eat beans and rice together.
This dish's simplicity always appeals to me; it's really easy to make and has a really delicious flavor. You can make a tasty meal without spending a lot of money if you use cost-effective ingredients. I like to cook in batches at the start of the week so that I have leftovers for the entire week. These leftovers are great for lunches; just store them in an airtight container, grab a fork, and tuck in. It's that easy.
Why You’ll Love Caribbean Rice And Beans?
- Give it a personal touch. Caribbean rice and peas can be made in many different ways! I'll give a few suggestions later in this post, but you're welcome to add your own.
- Classic combo. Various versions of rice and beans can be found in every culture, from dirty rice to congri to arroz con gandules. This Caribbean rice and beans combination is filling and makes a meal complete.
- It goes with a lot of main meals. It isn't just for Jamaican cuisine! You can even try this dish with a basic protein like baked tofu.
How To Make Caribbean Rice And Beans?
Scroll down to the recipe card below for the detailed recipe.
What To Serve With Caribbean Rice And Beans?
Caribbean Rice and beans can really be served just about anywhere. I like to keep the Jamaican / Caribbean theme going by serving this with jerked chicken, jerked shrimp, or Jerked Fish with Grilled Pineapple Salsa. It also goes well with tacos, Seafood Eggrolls, roasted pork, and shrimp remoulade.
It goes well with almost anything and is a terrific choice for a quick side dish to Baked Chicken Thighs or Boudin Balls.
The leftovers the next day are some of my favorite Rice and Beans! I top it with a crispy fried egg and some roasted or grilled vegetables. After that, put some hot Jalapeno sauce on top of everything.
How To Store Leftover Caribbean Rice And Beans?
The best thing about this Caribean rice and beans recipe is that it keeps really well in the fridge, which is why I make a big batch on Sundays and eat it all week. Here are my storage suggestions.
- When the rice and beans are done, let it come to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container. This keeps the rice fresh and prevents moisture buildup, which may make it mushy. Refrigerate the container, where the tastes will continue to mingle and deepen, improving the taste of your next meal. You can store leftovers for up to five days.
- Simply reheat when you are ready to eat them again. When reheating rice and beans, add a little water or vegetable stock to keep it moist and tasty. You can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips And Tricks
- Rinsing the rice is essential, as it prevents the rice from becoming sticky and removes excess starch.
- To prevent overcooking, test the rice. The rice ought to be soft but not mushy, and the beans ought to be soft but biting.
- Sautéing Techniques: Gently cook the garlic and onions until they turn brown. This caramelization creates a rich, sweet flavor basis that improves the overall dish.
- Bean Types: This recipe usually calls for red beans, but you can try it with chickpeas or kidney beans for a unique twist.
FAQs
What Kind Of Rice Is Used In The Caribbean?
Jamaicans usually make their rice with long-grain rice. Many types of rice are available, but long-grain rice is still the most popular choice for Caribbean rice and beans. Other than long-grain rice, you can use any variety of rice if you know how to cook it. Different kinds of rice need different amounts of water and cooking times, so you need to change the amounts of water used.
What Types of Beans Use for Caribbean Rice and Beans?
Any ingredient in the pantry will work for this delicious meal; I don't have a favorite. Red kidney beans are traditionally used in Caribbean rice and beans. It's equally great with black, pinto, or pigeon peas. There may be a minor difference in appearance, but nothing major.
Where Did Caribbean Rice And Beans Come From?
Caribbean rice is undoubtedly influenced by West Africa. It was brought to the Caribbean by African slaves and quickly became an important part of many Caribbean cuisines.
Can I Use Dry Beans?
Yes! If you want to start with dried kidney beans or kidney beans, you must soak and boil them first. To do this, cover dry kidney beans or other beans with water and soak overnight. After you drain and clean, cook on medium-low heat for 15 minutes with a top lid.
