Caribbean Red Beans and Rice

Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this vibrant Caribbean Red Beans and Rice recipe, a beloved staple brimming with bold island flavors. Fluffy long-grain rice and hearty red beans are simmered in a luscious blend of coconut milk, smoky paprika, and fragrant allspice, creating a rich and comforting base. A medley of sautéed aromatics—golden onions, sweet bell peppers, and garlic—infuse the dish with depth, while a touch of fresh thyme and optional scotch bonnet pepper add the perfect balance of warmth and spice. Ready in under an hour, this one-pot wonder is both easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Garnish with chopped scallions for a burst of freshness and serve as a hearty main or a perfect side dish for your favorite Caribbean-inspired proteins.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 cups canned red beans (kidney beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, whole or seeded for less heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 scallions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, allspice, and smoked paprika, and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the red beans, rice, coconut milk, water, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 5

If adding the scotch bonnet pepper, place it whole into the pot (take care not to puncture it for a milder heat or seed it for more intense heat).

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 7

After 20 minutes, check the pot and give it a quick stir. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

Step 9

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with chopped scallions.

Step 10

Serve hot as a main dish or alongside your favorite Caribbean-inspired protein.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1950.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1405.8

Total Fat 32.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3178.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 238.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.3g	0%
Total Sugars 32.0g
Protein 41.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 325.7mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 2579.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.7%

Protein: 11.8%

Carbs: 67.5%