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Caribbean Red Beans and Rice Recipe: 1 Pot Flavor Bomb

Caribbean Red Beans and Rice

A flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish featuring creamy red beans served with rice, fried plantains, and avocado for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 ripe plantains, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and bell pepper, then cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the vegetables are coated in the spices.
  5. Add red kidney beans, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Stir well.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are creamy and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Lightly mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon to create a thicker texture.
  8. Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. While the beans simmer, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  10. Add sliced ripe plantains and fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  11. Spoon cooked white rice into bowls.
  12. Add the creamy red beans, fried plantains, and sliced avocado.
  13. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use ripe plantains for a sweeter flavor.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness.
  • For extra creaminess, mash more beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caribbean Red Beans and Rice, Fried plantains and beans, Caribbean rice bowl, Beans and plantains recipe, Avocado rice bowl, Easy vegetarian dinner