Imagine a dish that captures the heart and soul of Caribbean cuisine in just one pot, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This Instant Pot Rice and Peas recipe is your ticket to a culinary paradise, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering feast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this recipe promises to deliver authentic Caribbean flavors with the convenience of modern cooking technology.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain completely.
- In the Instant Pot, combine the rinsed rice, drained red kidney beans, coconut milk, water, chopped green onions, and thyme.
- Add salt to taste, gently stirring to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position.
- Select the Rice setting or Manual/Pressure Cook mode, and set the timer for 12 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- After natural release, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and fluff the rice and peas gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Let the rice stand uncovered for 3-5 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, garnished with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Crucial: Always rinse your rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent sticky, clumpy results.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: The combination of coconut milk and water ensures creamy, perfectly cooked rice with rich flavor.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the 10-minute natural release to help the rice absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
- Don't Skip Fluffing: Gently fluffing the rice with a fork after cooking helps separate the grains and prevents compacting.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh thyme and green onions for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add diced bell peppers or replace kidney beans with pigeon peas for a traditional variation.
- Storage Tip: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave or with a quick steam.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
