Jamaican Spiced Rice with Vegetables
Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Collection
I love cooking Jamaican Spiced Rice with Vegetables because it's a vibrant dish that celebrates the rich flavors of the Caribbean. Each time I make it, I'm amazed by how the fragrant spices combine to uplift simple rice into something extraordinary. The colorful medley of vegetables adds not only a nutritious touch but also a festive flair to the meal, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. It's a dish that has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can't wait to share it with you!
When I first tried Jamaican Spiced Rice, I was captivated by the balance of spices and the fresh vegetables that burst with flavor. It became my go-to dish for both casual meals and special occasions. I quickly learned that sautéing the spices before adding the rice enhances their flavors, creating a deliciously aromatic base that makes every bite irresistible.
Each time I experiment with different vegetables, I find that incorporating seasonal produce always results in delightful surprises. Whether it's adding sweet bell peppers or vibrant green peas, the dish remains colorful and inviting. I love serving it as a side or even as a main dish topped with grilled chicken!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A perfect harmony of spices that dances on your palate
- Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables
- Healthy and satisfying, ideal for any meal of the day
Mastering the Rice
Choosing the right type of rice is crucial for achieving the ideal texture in this dish. Long-grain rice is preferred here as it remains fluffy and separate when cooked, absorbing the flavors of the spices and broth without becoming mushy. Before cooking, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and helps prevent clumping.
To ensure perfect cooking, it’s essential to keep an eye on the liquid ratio. A typical ratio for long-grain rice is 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of rice. In this recipe, the vegetable broth provides both moisture and flavor, so stick closely to this ratio to achieve a well-cooked, flavorful dish.
Customizing the Flavor
While this recipe is delicious as is, one of the wonders of Jamaican Spiced Rice is its versatility. Feel free to substitute the green beans with your preferred vegetables, such as zucchini or corn. Just keep in mind that softer vegetables may need less cooking time, so add them later in the cooking process to maintain their texture.
For an added depth of flavor, consider incorporating protein. You can stir in some cooked black beans or chickpeas for a plant-based option, or sauté diced chicken or shrimp with the onions for a non-vegetarian version. This will turn your dish into a heartier meal, perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Jamaican Spiced Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup of long-grain rice
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup of carrots, sliced
- 1 cup of green beans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Preparation Instructions
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the Spices
Stir in the cumin, allspice, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Incorporate the Rice
Add the long-grain rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the grains with the spice mixture.
Add Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the diced bell pepper, sliced carrots, and chopped green beans. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Rice
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff and Serve
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. This will brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist to the dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Jamaican Spiced Rice is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare the rice in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help revive the moisture and prevent sticking.
If you want to freeze the rice, let it cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe bags. It can be stored for up to three months. To reheat frozen rice, you can microwave it straight from the freezer or thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before heating it in a pan.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve your Jamaican Spiced Rice alongside grilled meats or fish. The spiced flavors of the rice complement well with a lime-cilantro dressing drizzled over grilled chicken or shrimp, enhancing the overall Caribbean feel of your dish.
You might also consider serving it with a side of jerk sauce or a fresh cucumber salad to add balance. The cool, crisp elements of a salad can offset the warmth of the spices, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this rice dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat it when you're ready to serve.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to customize with seasonal veggies like peas, corn, or zucchini for added flavor and color!
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
→ How can I turn this into a main dish?
Top the rice with grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or tofu to create a hearty main course.
Jamaican Spiced Rice with Vegetables
I love cooking Jamaican Spiced Rice with Vegetables because it's a vibrant dish that celebrates the rich flavors of the Caribbean. Each time I make it, I'm amazed by how the fragrant spices combine to uplift simple rice into something extraordinary. The colorful medley of vegetables adds not only a nutritious touch but also a festive flair to the meal, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. It's a dish that has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can't wait to share it with you!
Created by: Matilda Rowe
Recipe Type: Everyday World Food Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup of long-grain rice
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup of carrots, sliced
- 1 cup of green beans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
How-To Steps
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the cumin, allspice, and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the long-grain rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the grains with the spice mixture.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the diced bell pepper, sliced carrots, and chopped green beans. Season with salt and pepper.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. This will brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist to the dish.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g