Slow Cooker Coconut Red Beans & Rice are a Caribbean inspired dish. It’s a delicious side dish for so many meals, like the Jerk Chicken that I shared with you last week, but also just a tasty meal all by itself.
Beans & Rice are Universal
You can find a version of beans & rice in every corner of this big & beautiful world. From South, Central and North America to the Caribbean to Africa, Europe and Asia, you will be sure to find some version of beans & rice.
For example, there is Feijoada, the Brazilian national dish, Platillo Moros y Cristianos, the Cuban version of beans & rice, Gallo Pinto (Central America), Waakye, (Africa), Kongbap (Korea), and this Louisiana staple, Cajun Red Beans and Rice.
And those are just touching on the beans & rice cuisines of the world. There are way too many to list here, but, you can bet that there is a combo of beans and rice in every culture in the world. Which is pretty amazing when you think of it, and proof of what a vitally nutritious and sustaining combo beans & rice really are.
Caribbean Rice & Peas
This recipe for Coconut Red Beans & Rice is Caribbean inspired. In Jamaica, they call this dish Rice & Peas, and the dish is a Sunday tradition. This tradition goes back to the African slaves, who were brought to Jamaica to work on sugar plantations. They made this version of African Waakye with coconut milk and spices every Sunday, their one day free of work, and usually gathered together with family and neighbours to eat. Rice & Peas was always a feature.
Nutritious Beans & Rice
There are reasons why the combo of beans & rice are so common and popular world wide. First, it’s a highly nutritious combo. Rice & Beans are high in protein, fibre, and minerals, including iron & potassium. Rice & beans together, make a complete, and, an economical protein. Secondly, beans & rice are staple foods around the world, because they are both easy to grow in so many climates. Finally, both beans, when dried, and rice, will keep for long periods of time after harvest and they don’t require refrigeration.
Do You Need to Soak Beans Overnight?
For this recipe, I did soak the beans. Because this is a slow cooker recipe, I was concerned that the rice would be overcooked before the beans were fully cooked. However, you can cook beans straight from dry, it will simply mean a much longer cooking time. Check out this article for more info.
How to Make Coconut Red Beans & Rice
Delicious Jamaican flavours of Coconut Red Beans & Rice can simmer in the slow cooker for a delectable meal in itself, or, a great side dish.
- 1 cup dried kidney or red beans
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups coconut milk full fat, both water and cream
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 3 scallions sliced, white and green separated
- 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger or, 1 2" piece of fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1.5 cups long grain basmati rice rinsed
- 1/2 tsp course salt
- 1 lime juice of
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Sort beans and cover with water to soak overnight
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Drain beans and put into a large pot of fresh water
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Bring to a boil, and boil for 10-15 minutes.
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Drain, then add beans to the slow cooker, along with coconut milk, rice, garlic, thyme, all spice, ginger, white parts of scallions, kosher salt, & red pepper flakes.
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Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours until rice is cooked, and beans are tender
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Serve hot, garnished with green parts of scallion
Slow cookers vary in temperature, so cooking times will depend on your cooker.
I have started to really explore the Caribbean cuisine. There are so many outstanding and flavorful dishes that I am yet to try – like this one! Can’t wait to get enough beans to go all in!
Hi Elaine, Caribbean flavours are really wonderful. I hope you make this recipe, it’s a delicious starting point for your exploration!
What a great side dish with dinner! So easy and flavorful too!
Hi Beth, you have to love easy and flavourful, right? 🙂
We love red beans and rice. I love how flavorful this recipe is and that it’s cooked in the slow cooker.
Hi Andrea, yes the slow cooker is so perfect for rice & beans.
Yum..this looks so flavorful!
Thank you, it really is delicious!
There’s something super comforting about beans and rice and this looks like it would hit the spot! Love those little dishes too…they’re ADORABLE!!
I agree, Dawn, beans & rice are a true comfort food. Thanks, I really love those dishes,too!
As prevalent as it is, I’ve never had beans and rice together! But it looks so filling and comforting. Perfect as a side dish or even stand alone meal!
Hi Leanne, beans and rice are a perfect match and the ultimate comfort food, too. I hope you give it a try!
Love all the Caribbean flavours in this slow cooker dish! Beans and rice is a simple dish, but you’ve turned it into something special! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Elaine! Caribbean flavours are so special. I hope you love it!
Such an interesting recipe!!!! Love coconut and love red beans. This looks amazing.
Thanks Sheenam, it’s a delicious dish and so easy to make. I hope you give it a try.
Love the flavour combinations and simplicity of this dish! Delicious!
Hi Marieke, hope you give it a try if you love these flavours, you will not regret!