Jamaican Peas And Rice
A flavorful Jamaican dish featuring tender peas cooked with smoky bacon, aromatic herbs, and served over rice, perfect for hearty, comforting meals with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the dried peas.
- Boil the peas in 4 cups of water for 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for one hour.
- After one hour, boil the peas covered until tender.
- In a separate pot, cook rice according to package instructions.
- In a pan, cook chopped raw bacon until crispy.
- Add chopped garlic, diced onion, and thyme to the bacon and cook until fragrant.
- Combine cooked peas with bacon and herbs mixture, season with salt to taste.
- Serve the peas mixture over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. You can use canned peas to save time; just rinse and add them towards the end of cooking. Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist. Ensure you soak the dried peas overnight for better texture and quicker cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jamaican Peas And Rice as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or fish. It pairs beautifully with Bohemian Stuffed Roast Pork for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or sliced green onions for added flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave until heated through, or heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will help keep the rice from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jamaican Peas And Rice contains roughly 498 calories, with 16g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1658mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice or jasmine rice if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of rice you choose, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when sautéing the onion and garlic. This will give your dish a nice kick while complementing the flavors of the peas.
What can I serve with Jamaican Peas And Rice?
This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, providing a flavorful balance. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or coleslaw for added crunch and freshness, enhancing your meal's overall texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).