Indulge in the authentic flavors of Jamaica with this classic dish of rice cooked in rich coconut milk and seasoned with tender kidney beans. A staple accompaniment to many Jamaican meals, this savory blend offers a tantalizing combination of creamy texture and earthy undertones, sure to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean. Enjoy it as a comforting side or as a satisfying main course, perfect for bringing a taste of Jamaica to your table.

Here's a traditional recipe for Jamaican Rice and Peas:

Ingredients:

 - 2 cups long-grain white rice

 - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 2-3 green onions, chopped

 - 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

 - 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero pepper), whole (optional)

 - 2 cups water

 - Salt, to taste

 - Black pepper, to taste

 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil

Instructions:

1- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped green onions, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

2- Stir in the rice and coat it well with the oil, garlic, and onions, toasting it slightly for about 2 minutes.

3- Pour in the coconut milk and water, then add the kidney beans, thyme sprig, whole Scotch bonnet pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

4- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice too much to prevent it from becoming mushy.

5- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Take out the Scotch bonnet pepper and thyme sprig if used.

6- Fluff the rice with a fork and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

7- Serve the Jamaican Rice and Peas hot as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite Jamaican dishes, such as jerk chicken or curry goat.

Enjoy your taste of the Caribbean with this flavorful and comforting dish! Adjust the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper according to your spice preference, as it can be quite hot.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in Jamaican Rice and Peas per serving:

Here's the recipe with the formatting you prefer:

2 Cups Long-Grain White Rice:

- Calories: 1,400 kcal

- Fat: 2 g

- Carbohydrates: 308 g

- Protein: 14 g

Benefits:

- Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

- Offers some protein and a small amount of dietary fiber.

1 Can (13.5 oz) Coconut Milk

- Calories: 445 kcal

- Fat: 48 g

- Carbohydrates: 6 g

- Protein: 5 g

Benefits:

- Adds richness and creaminess to the dish.

- Provides healthy fats and some vitamins, such as vitamin C and E.

1 Can (15 oz) Kidney Beans, Drained and Rinsed:

- Calories: 315 kcal

- Fat: 0.5 g

- Carbohydrates: 54 g

- Protein: 20 g

Benefits:

- High in protein and dietary fiber.

- Provides essential nutrients like iron, potassium, and folate.

2 Cloves Garlic, Minced:

- Calories: 9 kcal

- Fat: 0 g

- Carbohydrates: 2 g

- Protein: 0.4 g

Benefits:

- Contains allicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

- Adds flavor and may support immune health.

2-3 Green Onions, Chopped:

- Calories: 10 kcal

- Fat: 0.1 g

- Carbohydrates: 2 g

- Protein: 0.5 g

Benefits:

- Adds a mild onion flavor.

- Provides some vitamins and antioxidants.

1 Sprig Fresh Thyme (or 1 tsp Dried Thyme):

- Calories: 1 kcal

- Fat: 0 g

- Carbohydrates: 0.3 g

- Protein: 0.1 g

Benefits:

- Contains antioxidants and may support respiratory health.

- Adds a savory, herbal flavor.

1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (or Habanero Pepper), Whole (Optional):

- Calories: 6 kcal

- Fat: 0.2 g

- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g

- Protein: 0.2 g

Benefits:

- Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.

- Adds heat and enhances flavor.

2 Cups Water:

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Fat: 0 g

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

Benefits:Helps cook the rice and integrate the flavors.

Salt, to Taste:

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Fat: 0 g

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

- Enhances flavor of the dish.

- Essential for maintaining fluid balance and supporting nerve and muscle function.

Black Pepper, to Taste:

- Calories: 2 kcal per 1/4 teaspoon

- Fat: 0.1 g

- Carbohydrates: 0.6 g

- Protein: 0.1 g

Benefits:Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and add flavor.

2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Coconut Oil:

- Calories: 240 kcal per tablespoon

- Fat: 28 g

- Carbohydrates: 0 g

- Protein: 0 g

Benefits:

- Adds moisture and helps in cooking.

- Provides healthy fats (coconut oil) or neutral flavor (vegetable oil).

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used.