Caribbean Style Rice Pilaf
Transport your taste buds straight to the tropics with this Caribbean Style Rice Pilaf, a vibrant side dish that’s both comforting and bursting with island-inspired flavors. Fluffy long-grain rice is simmered in a rich blend of coconut milk and broth, infused with the warm aroma of allspice and fresh thyme. Finely diced vegetables, including red bell pepper, carrots, and green peas, add pops of color and texture, while a touch of scallion and cilantro brings a fresh finish. Perfect as a sidekick to grilled meats or seafood, or enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian-friendly option, this dish is a quick and easy way to bring sunny Caribbean flavors to your table in just under 45 minutes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons oil (coconut or vegetable)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 0.5 cups green peas (frozen or fresh)
- 4 scallions (green onions), sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the garlic, red bell pepper, and carrot, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir frequently for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
Stir in the broth, coconut milk, thyme leaves, ground allspice, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Stir in the green peas and sliced scallions, fluffing the rice gently with a fork to combine.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish or light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1100 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.5 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.9 g | 124% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3754 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 183.7 g | 67% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.0 g | ||
| Protein | 22.7 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 206 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1507 mg | 32% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
