Rice and Peas and Gravy, Good for Mama and Baby

½ lb. Red Kidney Beans

1lb. Rice

12 oz. Coconut Milk (not water)

1 Stlk. Scallion (Green Onions)

2 sprg. Thyme

2 tblsp. Salt.

1 tblsp. Margarine (optional)

1 Qt. Water

Wash peas and remove any foreign matter, if present. Wash scallion and remove only the outer layer.

Add peas and salt to water and boil peas in a 2-quart stock pot until medium soft, on medium heat.

The water will evaporate during the boiling process, so add more warm water to the pot.

Here is the trick to making this rice and peas nice and shelly.

As you may know, rice is usually cooked using a one to one ratio; equal parts of water to equal parts of rice, or close to it.

So, add the coconut milk, thyme and scallion to the cooked peas and let this combination boil for about 5 minutes, then taste the pot. Add more salt to taste.

Now estimate the amount of water in the pot to the ratio of the rice you have. Try to get a one to one ratio or as close to it as possible.

Add the rice to the ingredients and stir, using a fork.

Add the margarine to the rice and peas and then reduce to a low heat. Wait until the boiling water in the pot sinks just below the top of the rice.

Wet a piece of cellophane and cover the rice then cover the pot with the pot cover. Simmer until rice is soft and shelly.

NOTE:

This is making rice & peas from “scratch”, as everyone would say. But you can use canned red kidney beans if you would like to, you know.

You wouldn't need to cook the red beans for any long length of time either, Cool?

I would like you to try to experiment with this recipe any way you like. For example, the coconut milk can be omitted from this dish….it will taste just as good, believe me I have tried it like that already.

Another thing, if you want a true spicy Jamaican food flavor, add a Scotch Bonnet Pepper to the pot the same time you are putting in the scallion and thyme….

YAH MON!!!

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