Jamaican Rice and Peas: A Taste of Island Tradition

If you've ever enjoyed a Jamaican Sunday dinner, chances are you’ve tasted the rich, coconut-infused delight known as Rice and Peas. This dish is a beloved staple across Jamaica and the Caribbean, and despite its name, “peas” actually refers to kidney beans (or pigeon peas, depending on the region). Flavourful, comforting, and steeped in cultural tradition, Jamaican Rice and Peas is more than just a side dish; it’s a symbol of home, history, and heritage.

The History of Jamaican Rice and Peas

Rice and Peas has roots that stretch deep into Jamaica's colonial past and African heritage. Enslaved Africans brought with them culinary traditions that involved cooking legumes with rice, a practice found throughout West Africa. Over generations, these traditions blended with local Jamaican ingredients like coconut milk, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper, giving birth to this island favourite.

In Jamaica, Rice and Peas is not just food; it’s a tradition. It graces almost every Sunday table and is present at holidays, weddings, and family gatherings. The dish represents not only nourishment but also togetherness, culture, and celebration.

Traditional Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas:

• 2 cups long-grain or basmati or parboiled rice (washed)

• 1 cup red kidney beans (or pigeon peas), soaked overnight or canned

• 1 cup coconut milk (unsweetened)

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 2 stalks scallion (green onion), chopped

• 1 sprig fresh thyme

• 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, for flavour only)

• 1/2 teaspoon allspice (pimento) or Maggi All Purpose Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 4 cups water or bean broth

How to Cook Jamaican Rice and Peas on the Stovetop

Step 1: Prepare the beans

• If using dried beans, boil them in water until tender (about 45–60 minutes).

• If using canned beans, drain and rinse well, then proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Build the flavour base

• In a large pot, combine beans, water or broth, coconut milk, garlic, scallions, thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper, allspice, and salt.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavours to blend.

Step 3: Add rice

• Stir in washed rice. Taste the liquid and adjust the seasoning if needed.

• Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Finish

• Remove Scotch bonnet pepper and thyme stems.

• Gently fluff rice with a fork before serving.

How to Make Jamaican Rice and Peas in a Rice Cooker

Yes! You can absolutely make perfect Jamaican Rice and Peas in a rice cooker!

Step 1: Prepare beans as above

• If using canned beans, simply rinse and drain. If using dried beans, boil until tender first.

Step 2: Build the liquid

• In a mixing bowl, combine coconut milk, water (or bean broth), garlic, scallion, thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper, allspice, salt, and beans.

Step 3: Assemble in the rice cooker

• Pour the liquid mixture into the rice cooker bowl.

• Add the washed rice and stir gently to combine. Place the whole Scotch bonnet pepper on top (do not burst).

Step 4: Cook

• Set your rice cooker to the regular white rice setting.

• Once finished, let it sit for about 10 minutes on warm before opening.

• Remove Scotch bonnet and thyme stems, fluff gently, and serve.

Rice Cooker Tip:
Some rice cookers require slightly less liquid. Start with a 1:1 liquid-to-rice ratio, then add an extra ½ cup to account for the richness of the coconut milk.

Jamaican Rice and Peas: More Than Just Food

This dish carries stories of resilience, community, and flavour passed down through generations. While recipes may vary slightly, the heart behind Jamaican Rice and Peas is always the same: comfort, joy, and togetherness.

Bring Jamaica to Your Kitchen: The Jamaican Cooking Experience

At the Jamaican Cooking Experience, we do more than cook; we create memories. Whether you're craving an authentic taste of the island or looking for a unique activity with friends or family, our hands-on, in-home cooking sessions deliver the full Jamaican experience.

We proudly serve the following areas: Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Milton, Brantford, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, and Hamilton.

Book your Jamaican Cooking Experience today and bring the vibrant flavours of Jamaica directly to your home. Let’s cook, laugh, and create an unforgettable experience island style!