Haitian Style Rice and Beans

Name: Haitian Style Rice and Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 cup red kidney beans (dried); 4 cups water; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh, chopped); 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (optional); 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed); 2 cups coconut milk (unsweetened); 1 teaspoon salt

60 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

A delicious and authentic Haitian rice and beans dish packed with spices and flavour, perfect for any occasion.

Prep

15 min

Cook

45 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Haitian Style Rice and Beans, or 'Diri ak Pwa', is a beloved staple in Haitian cuisine. This hearty dish combines the robust flavours of red beans with seasoned rice, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. Known for its aromatic blend of herbs and spices, this dish is a great representation of the vibrant and diverse flavours found in Haitian cooking. Our version of Haitian Style Rice and Beans stays true to tradition, using authentic ingredients like thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers to create a dish that is both comforting and full of character. It's perfect for those who crave a taste of the Caribbean and want to experience the unique depth of Haitian culinary traditions.

Instructions

Soak the beans

Place the dried red kidney beans in a large bowl, cover with water and soak overnight.

Pro tip: Soaking reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.

Cook the beans

Drain the soaked beans and add 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes.

Pro tip: Beans are done when soft but not mushy.

Sauté the aromatics

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and thyme. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add the rice

Stir the rinsed rice into the sautéed aromatics, coating it well with the oil and flavours.

Combine ingredients

Add the cooked beans, coconut milk, Scotch bonnet pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine.

Pro tip: Leave the Scotch bonnet whole for flavour without too much heat.

Cook the rice

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Pro tip: Avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking to prevent steam escape.

Let it rest

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to absorb steam and flavours.

Fluff and serve

Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Soak the beans overnight for faster cooking.
Use fresh thyme for a more aromatic dish.
Adjust the spice level with Scotch bonnet pepper to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Haitian rice and beans different?

Haitian rice and beans use coconut milk, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers to create a unique aromatic and spicy flavour.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. Rinse and drain them before adding to the recipe.

How can I reduce the spice level?

Use a milder pepper or omit the Scotch bonnet entirely to lessen the heat.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, Haitian style rice and beans is naturally vegan when prepared with vegetable oil and coconut milk.

How long does it take to cook the beans?

After soaking overnight, the beans typically take about 45 minutes to cook until tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Haitian Style Rice and Beans alongside fried plantains or grilled chicken for a complete meal. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of pikliz, a spicy Haitian coleslaw. You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain the moisture.

Nutrition per serving

320

Calories

Protein

Fat

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