Chef Jenn shares a recipe for the delicious Jamaican staple, Rice and Peas, which - as it turns out is a misnomer. Find out what she means and how to make it at home.
2cupsparboiled rice (noteyou will need to increase the cooking if using a different type of rice)
1/2cupcoconut milk
3cupsreserved liquid from boiling beans
1cupcooked beans
1tbspsea salt
1tbspcane sugar
1tbspcoconut oil or non-dairy butter
1/4tspfresh black pepper
1bay leaf
1clovegarlic
2sprigs fresh thyme
1stalk green onion or scallion
1whole habanero or scotch bonnet peppe
Instructions
Rinse and drain rice.
In a large pot combine all ingredients except habanero or scotch bonnet pepper. You want to make sure the pepper stays whole as if even slightly pierced will create too much heat for the dish. Cooked whole, it lends just a slight, pleasant peppery hint.
On medium-high heat, bring rice to a quick boil. Once liquid is boiling, reduce heat to lowest setting. Add pepper and cover. Allow to cook for 20 minutes without removing cover.
After 20 minutes, check to see whether all the liquid has been evaporated. If not, add another 10 minutes. When all liquid is evaporated, turn off heat. Leave rice covered for another 15 minutes, allowing it rest.
After the 15 minutes, remove pepper, thyme, bay leaf, scallion and onion. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.