| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 470 | 14g | 8g | 80g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 4g | 12g | 0.63g |
Indulging in the delightful fusion of distinct flavors of the Rice and Peas with Ackee, I am instantly transported back to my kitchen in the rugged Rockies, cooking up a storm with love and laughter. As I delve deeper into the flood of fond memories linked to this hearty, yet light, dish, I am reminded of the incredible health benefits this ackee-based meal offers.
A Culinary Journey to Remember
There’s no food experience quite as fulfilling as the first mouthful of the Rice and Peas with Ackee. Imbued with a sublime combination of the delicate, custard-like ackee and the lingering flavors of garlic, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, this vibrant dish not only tastes incredible, but tells an amazing story.
Rice and Peas with Ackee is a reminiscent of the treasured recipes I grew up with in the Colorado Rockies. However, it also holds a delicious similarity with an authentic Jamaican classic, making it the perfect bridge between the traditional mountain dishes I adore and the exciting flavors of international cuisines. This tropical delight could easily stand on its own, but when paired with an Jamaican jerk chicken, the complementary flavors create an incredible gastronomical experience.
More than Just a Tasty Treat
But let’s not forget the impressive health benefits this dish serves up. Packed with the nutrient-rich ackee, this recipe is a high source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and boosting your immune function. The green peas are an excellent source of protein and provide good amounts of vitamins A, C, and B1, as well as iron, phosphorus, and potassium. The white rice offers a substantial amount of energy without the addition of detrimental fats, cholesterol, or sodium.
Cooking has always been a bonding ritual for me and my man, Gordon. As we navigate our way around the kitchen, harmoniously blending scents and tastes, we become increasingly enveloped in the warmth and comfort of our love. This rice and peas dish, with its delectable combination of hearty and tropical flavors, embodies that loving warmth that cooking brings to our lives.
So, whenever you’re in need of a comforting meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful, I suggest giving this wonderful Rice and Peas with Ackee recipe a go. Here’s looking forward to your culinary adventure!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of long grain white rice
- 1 can (19 oz) ackee, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) green peas, drained
- 4 cups of water
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves
- 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then set it aside.
Step Two
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and chopped Scotch bonnet peppers. Sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and the garlic fragrant.
Step Three
Into the same pot, add your rinsed rice and stir it around so that it’s fully coated in the oil and aromatics.
Step Four
Add the coconut milk, 4 cups of water, thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step Five
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This should take about 20 minutes.
Step Six
Add the drained peas, ackee and sliced green onions to the pot, gently mixing them into the rice.
Step Seven
Cover the pot and continue to cook on a low heat for another 10-15 minutes, or until the peas, ackee and rice are all cooked through.
Step Eight
Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. All done! Enjoy your Rice and Peas with Ackee.
