Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an exotic Caribbean feast? Imagine a dish so rich, creamy, and flavorful that it feels like a warm hug from the tropical islands - that's exactly what this Baked Rice and Peas recipe promises! With its perfect blend of coconut milk, kidney beans, and aromatic herbs, this one-pan wonder is about to become your new favorite comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup kidney beans, drained
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, drained kidney beans, chopped green onions, and dried thyme. Season with salt to taste, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The rice should absorb the liquid and become tender, with the beans softening and infusing flavor throughout.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly crisp and develop a golden color.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the moisture to redistribute and the rice to finish steaming.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Key: Always thoroughly rinse your rice to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy.
- Coconut Milk Magic: Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest texture and most authentic Caribbean flavor.
- Even Distribution: When mixing ingredients, stir gently to prevent breaking the rice grains and to ensure even seasoning.
- Foil Coverage: Tightly covering the dish traps steam, which is crucial for perfectly cooked, tender rice.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the dish rest after cooking to allow moisture to redistribute, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful meal.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a scotch bonnet pepper or some diced garlic for an extra flavor kick if you enjoy more spice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
