Jamaican Rice and Peas

• Recipe by Bradford Thompson

This spicy side dish, made with ginger, chiles and coconut milk, is great alongside jerk or curry dishes. Peas in Jamaica means beans—in this case, kidney beans.

Ingredients

1. 2 tablespoons canola oil
2. 1 small onion, finely chopped
3. 1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
4. 2 cups long grain white rice, such as jasmine
5. One 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
6. 1/2 Scotch bonnet or habanero chile, seeded
7. One 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
8. 1 1/2 cups water
9. Salt and freshly ground black pepper
10. 4 scallions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil. Add the onion and ginger and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until coated with the oil. Stir in the kidney beans and Scotch bonnet, then stir in the coconut milk and water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, 18 minutes.
2. Remove the rice from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in the scallions and season with salt and black pepper. Discard the Scotch bonnet and serve.

Make Ahead

The rice and peas can be refrigerated overnight.