Jamaican Rice and Peas

The peas in this aren’t really peas at all, but red beans. It is customary in the Caribbean to refer to beans as “peas”. This recipe uses coconut cream, but the flavor is mild and not overpowering–just enough to give a hint of island flavor. The scotch bonnet is not as fiery as you’d think as well, since it is added whole and not cut (to expose the seeds and membranes). If you want it hot, you can cut it open, but the dish has a mild flavor of chile overall. Great serving ideas for this recipe would include jerk chicken, calalou, conch chowder, beef patties, or curry. For dessert, I have served this with Caribbean Lime Mousse (recipe posted here).

Jamaican Chicken Curry

Traditional curry recipe. Thyme, allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers are some ingredients used in Jamaican cuisine. Allspice is a berry of the pimiento tree so it is also known as pimento or Jamaican pepper. It is called allspice because it tastes like a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. So if you wanted to, you could substitute a cinnamon stick for the allspice in this. Serve with rice and salad. Note – prep is fairly short, but cooking is approx 1 1/2 hours

Jamaican Curry Chicken

This stew can be served with bread, pasta, white rice, rice and beans, mashed potatoes, or cooked vegetables.

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