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Rice and Peas

Jamaican-style kidney beans cooked with rice in coconut milk and thyme. Rich, filling, and naturally vegan.

vegangluten-freericebeanscoconutjamaicanvery-low-cost
SERVES 4 490 CAL / SERVING 5 min PREP 30 min COOK $7.54 TOTAL
OVERDRAFT KITCHEN
★ ITEMIZED GROCERY RECEIPT ★
Rice and Peas
SERVES 4 · OTTAWA · 2026
300 g dry long-grain white rice $0.75
1 can (540 mL) red kidney beans, drained (liquid reserved) $1.50
1 can (400 mL) coconut milk $2.97
1 medium onion, diced $1.07
3 cloves garlic, minced $0.24
2 green onions, bruised with the flat of a knife $0.66
1 tsp dried thyme $0.05
1 scotch bonnet or jalapeño, left whole $0.25
to taste salt and black pepper $0.05
SUBTOTAL$7.54
GST / HSTyou've suffered enough
TOTAL$7.54
COST PER SERVING
$1.89
— — — TEAR HERE — — —
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THE METHOD
1

Measure the liquid from the drained kidney beans into a measuring cup. Add water to make 500 mL total. Set aside.

2

In a medium pot, combine the coconut milk, reserved bean liquid, diced onion, garlic, green onions, thyme, and whole pepper.

3

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4

Add the rice, kidney beans, salt, and pepper. Stir once.

5

Reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and cook 18–20 minutes without lifting the lid.

6

Remove from heat. Let stand covered for 5 minutes.

7

Remove the whole pepper and green onions. Fluff with a fork and serve.

When the math doesn't work

Leave the scotch bonnet or jalapeño whole throughout cooking — it adds aroma without making the dish spicy. Remove before serving.

  • The bean liquid adds starch and flavour to the rice. Do not discard it.
  • Store-brand coconut milk works the same as premium brands in this recipe.
  • This is traditionally served as a side dish. Pair it with fried eggs, jerk chicken, or any inexpensive protein.
Nutrition Per Serving
490 Calories
12g Protein
81g Carbs
13g Fat
7g Fiber
310mg Sodium
~15% DV Iron

Estimated values per serving.

Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Pricing updated June 2026 using Ottawa No Frills and Ottawa Walmart averages. Prices verified at Ottawa No Frills, June 2026. Coconut milk $2.80/400mL can (Thai Kitchen). Kidney beans $1.50/540mL can. Rice $0.25/100g from 2kg bag. Onion $1.07 each. Green onions $1.99/bunch (2 = approx. one-third bunch).